Comments on: 7 year old researchers

By: Mark Ahlness

Mark Ahlness — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:10:05 +0000

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

By: Kathy Cassidy

Kathy Cassidy — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 04:41:13 +0000

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

By: Mark Ahlness

Mark Ahlness — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:01:21 +0000

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.

By: Fritz Boyle

Fritz Boyle — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:34:16 +0000

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?

By: Melanie Holtsman

Melanie Holtsman — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:25:54 +0000

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.

By: Pat

Pat — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 00:21:28 +0000

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.

By: Mrs. Cassidy's Class

Mrs. Cassidy's Class — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:58:19 +0000

[riffly_video]EDF401B2EC7611DCAE8AD0A456B4F508[/riffly_video]

By: Ian H.

Ian H. — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:10:55 +0000

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…