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Arborland, the computer is presented very carefully as a scientific tool to be used to aid education, not as an item to replace learning or research skills, nor as a toy to play games on.
The teacher never replaces personal lessons for learning on the computer. We believe that the elementary age child is not in a position to be given the responsibility for learning a subject entirely on his/her own without teacher direction and guidance. We do recognize the need for the child to be introduced to the computer responsibly and our lessons are geared towards that end.
Every elementary class has a computer with internet connection. After a lesson has been given on any subject, the child is encouraged to learn more about it through internet research. For example, after reading a piece of literature the child may research the author and other works by the same author. The child is encouraged to take tests in connection with lessons given in class, on selected websites. Extensive research on any subject is encouraged first in books through the library, before the child may do the same on the internet. We believe that the child needs the researching skills through books before seeking the instant gratification of internet research. We also believe the vast amount of information available on the internet would make choice making of correct information to pick impossible for the elementary child.
The teacher also uses the computer as a tool to display graphics to make a point clear during lessons. All the children are taught basic keyboard and publishing skills. We are in the process of adding more computers at the upper elementary level to further aid these skills. The teacher is always looking for innovative ways to help the child to use the computer as a learning aid and to do so responsibly.
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