7 year old researchers

8 comments Classrooms, One-to-One

Mar 06

I purchased an XO in efforts to consider the possibility of low cost computing and where this might fit into classrooms. I’ve played with it somewhat and was able to do some interesting things but  knew I needed some people better than me to do the real testing and dirty work. Enter Kathy Cassidy and her amazing grade one bloggers. What a treat it is to walk into a grade one classroom and they quickly resort to telling about their most recent published articles. As a former grade one teacher, you just can’t beat listening to them tell you stories about anything and everything.

I showed them the XO and a few things I’ve learned and made them a deal that they could keep it as long as they would share what they learn. (See Mark Ahlness who is already doing this with his third graders) I’ve suggested to Kathy that she allow them to take turns taking the unit home to explore. They’ll discover and learn much better than me. This computer is designed for them. I’ve now added a group of 7 year olds to my research team.

Image: Mr. Shareski Shows us the XO
http://www.flickr.com/photos/57634636@N00/2315119105/in/photostream/

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  • http://www.marturia.net Ian H.

    I love that idea of a research team, all the more so since it is doubly appropriate in this case. Young students, not aware of what they can’t do, will often find new and interesting ways of doing even tried-and-true tasks. Plus, they’re not afraid to break things, so they delve further than adults do…

  • http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337 Mrs. Cassidy’s Class

    [riffly_video]EDF401B2EC7611DCAE8AD0A456B4F508[/riffly_video]

  • http://loonyhiker@charter.net Pat

    I think it will also mean a lot to young students that their input is important. This is a great foundation for later learning because it gives them confidence to speak up about their opinions in an appropriate way. It shows respect to them as consumers and shows them that sharing ideas is important at any age.

  • http://onceuponateacher.blogspot.com Melanie Holtsman

    Wow! I am so impressed. What a great idea to have a team of researchers give you feedback. I LOVE the webcam comment. Can’t wait to hear more from Mrs. Cassidy’s class.

  • http://www.fritzboyle.com Fritz Boyle

    While it was exciting to introduce laptop computing to jr high and high schoolers, I find it inspiring to see 6 & 7 year olds (like my nephews) who are ‘old pros’ at what our generation struggles to master. Where will they go?

  • http://ahlness.com Mark Ahlness

    Dean, I think the suggestion to send it home with a kid per night is a great one – one which I might consider, too. A wonderful way to involve parents, and give the the kids the time they really need to explore the XO.

    A couple of places to go to expand, perhaps, the message…

    Check out the OLPC Forums: Join up and let people in your neck of the woods you’re an educator using this in an elementary school. I also have been attending an XO users group locally. Word got out, and I’ve received THREE donations of XO’s – unbelievable! Who knows…?

    My third graders are also starting to contribute to a group blog set up by Jeff Utecht: – I’m sure he’d give Kathy an account there, if she doesn’t have one already. Would be a great way for her bloggers to continue their contributions…

    ps – interesting to see you in the picture wearing the same microphone Seattle elementary teachers are using – nice device, I wear one every day.

  • http://classblogmeister.com/blog.php?blogger_id=1337 Kathy Cassidy

    Thanks, Mark. I’ve followed up on both of your suggestions.

  • http://ahlness.com Mark Ahlness

    Kathy, I saw your olpc forum post – good luck. The reason I suggested trying to get another xo is that you really do not begin to feel the vision and potential the creators had in mind for these little guys – until you see them seeing each other. – Mark