Introduction
This program has been rolled out in Hong Kong since 2001. IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program utilises the most effective up-to-date hardware, software and educational materials in order to give young children who are attending early childhood settings an effective jump-start in their education.
KidSmart Goals
- To support early childhood educators who are trying to "reinvent education" through making meaningful use of new technologies in child-care and preschool settings.
- To provide children from all economic backgrounds a chance to experience the benefits of technology.
- To assist residents of low-income neighbourhoods to develop a familiarity and increased comfort-level with computer technology.
- To develop and promote new and important methods of stimulating children so that they are anxious to learn and enthused about technology.
Resource Commitment
Program donations from IBM include:
- Young Explorer™ Center (Lenovo, Little Tikes PC furniture, Riverdeep the Edmark House Series software)
- Educational and training materials for parents, teachers, and administrators
- Training session for teachers
- Website for teachers
The Young Explorer
 The Young Explorer is geared toward young children ages three to seven . The child friendly unit includes:
- Colorful, child-sized plastic furniture that's durable and easy to clean.
Features include:
- a child-size bench that comfortably seats two
- a desk scaled to place the monitor at a child's eye level
- flat surfaced membrane keyboard
- A powerful IBM 17" colour monitor, speakers and a membrane keyboard
- A sturdy housing with locking cabinet doors to contain the computer, speakers and wiring .
KidSmart Website - A Resource for Parents and Teachers
Designed specifically for parents and teachers, www.kidsmartearlylearning.org, is a comprehensive resource created in partnership with early childhood experts that follow the principles of preschool learning. The site will dramatically expand the reach and impact of IBM's KidSmart Early Learning Program.
Applications
- Kindly submit your application online, selected centres will be notified by letter in June.
- KidSmart 2008 application deadline will be on June 13, 2008.
Selection Criteria
In selecting centres to join the project , consideration will be given to the following:
- Must be a not for profit organisation (kindergarten or child care centre)
- Evidence of innovative curriculum
- Willingness to develop an approach to computer use that is consistent with early childhood philosophy
- Commitment to attend professional development offered by IBM in association with the project
- Willingness to engage in research and evaluation associated with the project
- Evidence of ability to communicate with others and share knowledge and expertise
- Strong support and commitment from the committee of management or sponsoring body
Selection Procedure
The selection process will involve representatives from IBM and experienced lecturer in Early Childhood Learning of the Hong Kong Institute of Education. Local partners will identify a list of centres which may be visited prior to final selection of centres for the project.
Further Information
If you have any enquiries, please call 2825-6222. |
