THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 5, 1994 TAG: 9406030300
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HOLLY WESTER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: 940605 LENGTH: Medium
``It's fun because I was on TV,'' she said.
{REST} Catherine, a student at Bettie F. Williams Elementary, is only one of the several second-graders who participated in ``Synergizing the Second Grade,'' a six-session course designed to promote and stimulate an interest in technology education at an early age.
Besides working with the videocamera and television at the computer graphics and animation station during their 45-minute visits, students experimented with heat expansion, robotics and desktop publishing in Bayside's new synergistic lab.
``I think it's neat to have the little kids involved in technology,'' said tech-ed teacher Dave Johnstone, who helped develop the course. ``They are really enthusiastic.''
The course began with an orientation, a tour of the lab and a demonstration of Stratoblaster rockets. Then, second-graders worked with student mentors each day, as they traveled around to the different work stations.
``I like it,'' said Megan Bryant, 7, while shifting the arms of a miniature robot. ``We play with computers and all sorts of machines.''
Since this is a first-year program, it has all been experimental for Johnstone. ``I tried to bring it to their level so they could understand the activities and pick something they enjoy,'' he said.
``Some things work, some don't,'' he added. ``Things change everyday.''
Johnstone said he has learned that hands-on activities are the way to go. ``They can get their hands on things and they can actually see what they're learning,'' he added.
Students have created personalized badges, have studied machines by working with Legos and have learned about pneumatics through video.
``It's been fun teaching them how to do stuff,'' said seventh-grader Jamie Turner, 14, one of the 12 student mentor recruits. ``They have fun and they enjoy it.''
``Synergizing the Second Grade'' has been a collaborative effort between Williams Elementary, Bayside Middle, the Office of Vocational Education and the Office of Gifted Education. The program was initially proposed by Edward P. Gibbs, principal at Williams.
While working on group projects with students, Gibbs, who taught at area elementary schools from 1976 to 1985, said he always noticed that there were students who excelled in different areas.
``I was always fascinated with the mechanical kids of the group,'' he said. ``I always wondered what we could do for them.''
After observing a parent-student technology workshop for kindergarteners at Lynnhaven Elementary in 1988, he knew exactly what to offer these students.
Gibbs talked with different leaders within the school system about developing a pre-technology education program for second-graders at Williams. Last December he wrote a proposal explaining his goals. Planning took place over the next three months and the program finally took off in March.
``This is just one way to discover talents in students that may not have been brought out before,'' he said. Gibbs added that this course also acts as a motivational tool. Sparking an interest in learning, it boosts self-esteem and it teaches students that they have options.
``They have developed the confidence so that they can explore other areas of academic learning,'' he said. ``The knowledge they gain in technology is a helpful resource in gathering information, expressing their thoughts and for being involved in our society.''
Although most students do not get involved in technology education until the middle school level, Gibbs said the earlier they have the opportunity, the better.
``Elementary school is a time for exploration and a time for learning,'' he said.
by CNB