November 16, 2011

IT Training Teaches Students To Use Computers For Schoolwork And Assignments

By Max Barrett


Angelo State University's Porter Henderson library welcomed bright young kids last Saturday to provide computer training. According to a GoSanAngelo.com report, twelve middle school kids were chosen to attend workshops for 3 Saturdays. This action is an element of the Texas Open Source Project (TexOS) that gives computers to smart children in need. The undertaking is the invention of Brian Beck and John Wegner of the CITR (Center for Innovation in Teaching and Research). John Wegner is the director of the CITR while Brian Beck is a technology instruction expert for the Angelo State University.

Spreading the OSS mindset

The main motive of the project is to expose kids to OSS (Open Source Software) which offers easy access to well over 30,000 programs available absolutely free. Pupils can access these codes and edit them according to their needs. They could also use these applications for instructional learning and share them with others for no cost. Computer training is given value whether it is a straightforward introductory course or a complex java courses or python training courses. The Open Source Software is also thought of as a mind-set where people can learn and share tools to innovate. Brian Beck thinks that the program is a wonderful way to make students think outside the box and help to improve their adaptive skills.

The program is primarily to teach kids to use computers for schoolwork and assignments in subjects ranging from chemistry to calculus. The instruction will expose kids to a wide variety of software applications that enables them to be self-reliant and also increase their problem solving skills. Wegner is also an English associate professor at ASU and works with the faculty to include technology into the courses. The program also helps pupils view technology as a tool to create, innovate and share fresh new ideas among fellow students. The strategy for the endeavor was based on a comparable program called the HeliOS Project that has been presented in Austin.

Choosing the children

The course is typically targeted at youngsters belonging to low income families that cannot afford access to computers in their home. The children were picked out dependant on their needs together with academic performance on the condition that they return to the program and assist other young people develop knowledge. Young people who did not in past times have access to computers and internet are now able to use the OSS in generating presentations, graphic designing, video editing as well as animation. Wegner and Beck sought help from local charitable agencies such as CREO, Lions Club, NAACP and West Texas Organizing Strategy.

What the parents have to say

The parents as well as teachers of the chosen students have stated their deep thankfulness to the program as well as its founders. Wegner and Beck are also extremely focused on meeting with the parents to take a look at the development of each youngster. Youngsters are now benefiting through using simple tutorials. Several parents are pleased that OSS provides their kids with user friendly calculator functions to help with advanced math subjects like calculus. Wegner and Beck are now thinking about widening the program to additional age groups like high school kids.




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