Two Summers have come to an end. Chop Point Camp has wrapped up and is officially starting school this week and our un-official summer at Campo Alegria has come to an end as well.
We had a blast this summer and it has been a whirl-wind time since June when everything kicked off.
We have posted a few snippets of things that happened this summer along with some more photos posted at our Picasa web gallery at http://campoalegria.com/MediaDownloads/Photos/.
However there is so much more to tell and I hope to get some more photos and blogs up soon from some of our volunteers to help paint a better picture of what this summer was really like.
I wanted to give a special thanks to our volunteers this summer who selflessly raised their own support, came down not knowing what they were getting into and made the last three months possible. We had a grueling schedule of children's camps, and when we weren't working with children we were busy getting our hands dirty with maintenance and much needed cleaning and organization of Camp. Some volunteers were here for just a few weeks and some were here for three months, all were just as important to this summers success.
A special thanks to Jonathan Levis and Daniel Whitney who committed everything to Camp this summer from day one, we couldn't have done it without them and I am extremely proud of the job they did and there willingness to serve in many difficult circumstances. I wish they could have stayed forever and I wil continue to plot and scheme ways to lure them back again next year.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Wave Place, XO's and Buenos Aires Nicaragua
The "Wave Place" computer course that has been hosted by Campo Alegria has already been declared a huge success despite it only being two weeks in. I have tried to post a few of Mary's blogs on our daily activities to wet your appetite to visit the waveplace blog and read a daily account of exactly what we are up to. Mary is an excellent writer and has been diligent with keeping up with her communication while staying here in the boonies of Campo via our newly installed wireless Internet. If you get the chance I would recommend swinging by waveplace.com and reading up on the cool things that are happening in our local school of Buenos Aires. We will be posting new photos soon as well on our Campo website and I will drop a post to notify everyone as soon as that is done. Also if you want to see what an XO is check out http://laptop.org .
www.waveplace.com
http://laptop.org/
www.waveplace.com
http://laptop.org/
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Nicaragua Day 4
The morning wind was blowing steady as Carolyn, Bill and I struck out on our first horseback ride on the shore of Lake Nicaragua. It had been far too many years for Bill or I to comfortably mention since our last equestrian experiences, and just a few for Carolyn. Once astride we coax our horses to head down the beach. It was easily apparent that the horses were far more in charge then we were. Heading back towards the camp Bill and Carolyn’s horses found the road that led back to their pasture and headed home. I circled back and met them still astride lingering in the shade of a large mango tree.
Oscar and Adam gave us some tips and encouraged us to be diligent with them or the horses would become aware that we were wimps in the saddle and that winning back control would become more difficult. This advice proves equally true in the classroom. Once one student starts to run amok, if it is not reined in the others will follow the lead. Bill alit to head back to the camp to work out some kinks with the computers and Carolyn and I enjoyed slightly more capable rides down the dirt road past the grasslands and sugarcane fields. Carolyn was thrilled as she experienced her first gallop.
Back at school the children were once again eagerly awaiting us. Many of them had practiced saying “Good afternoon” in English and greeted us fanfare. After passing out the computers – a good time to match names to faces – they once again booted up with no problem and arranged themselves encircling Carolyn’s for a maximum view. Carolyn made clear that we would be working on our lesson in etoys reining them in from the start and they stayed focused with that for the majority of the lesson. At intervals, when a few of the children had successfully executed and grasped a concept, they become junior mentors, aiding others and guiding them. This kept all of the children remarkably on task.
We deviated a bit from the lesson as planned as many children had large sketches that filled the drawing area. Since the lesson involved using the shape tool we took advantage of that and had the children draw discreet objects that could easily be maneuvered. Reinforcing this further Carolyn then engaged them in the decision to draw a train and a face. The train had windows and the face could be moved to appear to be a passenger inside the train. The train could also run off with out the passenger.
By presenting the concepts of separate objects that could then be individually maneuvered in multiple ways all of the children successfully grasped the concept by the end of the lesson.
Once again all of the children stayed on for self-exploration for another hour after class. The question came up as to whether we could have a Saturday session and they unanimously voted for it. Hasta manana.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
Oscar and Adam gave us some tips and encouraged us to be diligent with them or the horses would become aware that we were wimps in the saddle and that winning back control would become more difficult. This advice proves equally true in the classroom. Once one student starts to run amok, if it is not reined in the others will follow the lead. Bill alit to head back to the camp to work out some kinks with the computers and Carolyn and I enjoyed slightly more capable rides down the dirt road past the grasslands and sugarcane fields. Carolyn was thrilled as she experienced her first gallop.
Back at school the children were once again eagerly awaiting us. Many of them had practiced saying “Good afternoon” in English and greeted us fanfare. After passing out the computers – a good time to match names to faces – they once again booted up with no problem and arranged themselves encircling Carolyn’s for a maximum view. Carolyn made clear that we would be working on our lesson in etoys reining them in from the start and they stayed focused with that for the majority of the lesson. At intervals, when a few of the children had successfully executed and grasped a concept, they become junior mentors, aiding others and guiding them. This kept all of the children remarkably on task.
We deviated a bit from the lesson as planned as many children had large sketches that filled the drawing area. Since the lesson involved using the shape tool we took advantage of that and had the children draw discreet objects that could easily be maneuvered. Reinforcing this further Carolyn then engaged them in the decision to draw a train and a face. The train had windows and the face could be moved to appear to be a passenger inside the train. The train could also run off with out the passenger.
By presenting the concepts of separate objects that could then be individually maneuvered in multiple ways all of the children successfully grasped the concept by the end of the lesson.
Once again all of the children stayed on for self-exploration for another hour after class. The question came up as to whether we could have a Saturday session and they unanimously voted for it. Hasta manana.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
Nicaragua Day 3
All of the children were anxiously waiting in the gated courtyard when we pulled up to the school. We greeted them and their exuberance for a few moments until Marcial arrived and unlocked the classroom. Once inside they quickly scrambled to their desks eager to claim their computer for the second time. Without prompting or need for instruction they powered up and were ready to begin etoys lesson 1. For a better view of Carolyn's screen they moved their desks to form semi-circles radiating out from her and dove into the lesson. Once again the number of mentors facilitated the children's ability to navigated and follow the concepts and steps being presented. A few of the children just took off with it.
German easily created a lake scene with a sailboat and sun. After listening to the concept of having separate "sketches" he immediately set about making a new sailboat sketch, kept it, a new sun and a separate lake. He had grasped that now he could manually move his boat across the water or his sun across the sky. We found this to be stunning as it truly illustrated the 'child intuitive' nature of etoys in an environment where it was intended to be implemented - one with no previous exposure or training. This is very exciting.
All of the children completed the lesson often helping each other in the process. At the end of the lesson the children were allowed the opportunity to stay for another hour with Daniel and Jonathan available as mentors to further explore their computers. Every child opted to stay.
The teacher training was again held outside and was fairly well grasped. Bill covered lessons 4 through 6 and at times individuals got a bit stuck or confused working with the numerous windows from halos to scripts, remembering to keep a sketch, having to go back and rotate a sketch after running a script and just the newness of it all. Here emphasizing keeping the sketches simple and experimenting with changing parameters, repetition and exploring rather than having a fancy drawing is useful.
The teachers grasped that this is going to be a challenge and one that they will have to put effort into and also recognized that some of the children may out shine them. So far it seems they can accept the humility of that.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
German easily created a lake scene with a sailboat and sun. After listening to the concept of having separate "sketches" he immediately set about making a new sailboat sketch, kept it, a new sun and a separate lake. He had grasped that now he could manually move his boat across the water or his sun across the sky. We found this to be stunning as it truly illustrated the 'child intuitive' nature of etoys in an environment where it was intended to be implemented - one with no previous exposure or training. This is very exciting.
All of the children completed the lesson often helping each other in the process. At the end of the lesson the children were allowed the opportunity to stay for another hour with Daniel and Jonathan available as mentors to further explore their computers. Every child opted to stay.
The teacher training was again held outside and was fairly well grasped. Bill covered lessons 4 through 6 and at times individuals got a bit stuck or confused working with the numerous windows from halos to scripts, remembering to keep a sketch, having to go back and rotate a sketch after running a script and just the newness of it all. Here emphasizing keeping the sketches simple and experimenting with changing parameters, repetition and exploring rather than having a fancy drawing is useful.
The teachers grasped that this is going to be a challenge and one that they will have to put effort into and also recognized that some of the children may out shine them. So far it seems they can accept the humility of that.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
Nicaragua Day 2
Around noon Bill, Carolyn, Jonathan, Daniel and I packed up the XO's and piled into the car to travel the pot-holed dirt roads past cattle grazing and sugar cane farms. In the distance spectacular volcano's vaulted with cloud-shrouded peaks never failing to impress by virtue of their mere presence. Passing nary another vehicle during the 40-minute drive, everyone in the pueblo rides bikes, horse pulled wagons or motorbikes, and we reached the elementary school in Buenos Aires pueblo.
Marcial and Roxanna meet us at the gate to the school. We unpacked the suitcase filled with the xo's and entered the classroom to meet the rather unsuspecting students. We were told that they had no clue what was in store for them until today. Asked if the had ever used a computer the responded with a unanimous no. Did they know anyone who worked with computers? No again.
We distributed the computers and the children's faces spoke clearly of their wonder and delight. Carolyn jumped into the introduction of the computer, starting up, opening and exiting programs, saving a project, finding it again in their journal. The camera feature tapped into the universal appeal of picture taking but the music program was the overwhelming initial hit. With so many mentors available, 2 teachers, 2 helpers, 2 translators, Carolyn instructing, Bill filming and myself both mentoring and shooting stills, every child was able to move smoothly and easily through all of the navigation skills presented. The children were remarkably focused, attentive and engaged. An older child spent at least an hour peering in from an outside window trying to take in what was happening.
It was hot. At one point the principle asked if the children would prefer to move outside. A vote was taken and they expressed the wish to stay at their desks and so it was. At the end of the day they scooted out for their bicycles and headed off all smiling and appreciative.
After a short break Bill began teaching lessons 1 through 3 to the teachers and mentors. We did move this session outside to the shade of a large tree. Giovanni - one of the translators is also quite computer literate. This is an excellent and unexpected advantage. Everyone seemed to be able to follow these first lessons without frustration or difficulty. By the time we packed up to leave everyone seemed both pleased and excited with the events of the day.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
Marcial and Roxanna meet us at the gate to the school. We unpacked the suitcase filled with the xo's and entered the classroom to meet the rather unsuspecting students. We were told that they had no clue what was in store for them until today. Asked if the had ever used a computer the responded with a unanimous no. Did they know anyone who worked with computers? No again.
We distributed the computers and the children's faces spoke clearly of their wonder and delight. Carolyn jumped into the introduction of the computer, starting up, opening and exiting programs, saving a project, finding it again in their journal. The camera feature tapped into the universal appeal of picture taking but the music program was the overwhelming initial hit. With so many mentors available, 2 teachers, 2 helpers, 2 translators, Carolyn instructing, Bill filming and myself both mentoring and shooting stills, every child was able to move smoothly and easily through all of the navigation skills presented. The children were remarkably focused, attentive and engaged. An older child spent at least an hour peering in from an outside window trying to take in what was happening.
It was hot. At one point the principle asked if the children would prefer to move outside. A vote was taken and they expressed the wish to stay at their desks and so it was. At the end of the day they scooted out for their bicycles and headed off all smiling and appreciative.
After a short break Bill began teaching lessons 1 through 3 to the teachers and mentors. We did move this session outside to the shade of a large tree. Giovanni - one of the translators is also quite computer literate. This is an excellent and unexpected advantage. Everyone seemed to be able to follow these first lessons without frustration or difficulty. By the time we packed up to leave everyone seemed both pleased and excited with the events of the day.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
Nicaragua Day 1
Spent the morning dealing with logistics - unpacking, numbering computers. Bill worked out glitches in upgrading them and trouble shooting that process that would continue well into the night. Meeting with Adam, getting his back story on the project and what he perceives his ability to participate due to all of his other responsibilities here at the camp. Issues arose concerning translators and transportation after the first 2 weeks. Possibilities included getting a local peace corps volunteer on board as well, hiring a local with a vehicle to drive every day (may be cheaper than the rental car option). Adam is looking in to this.
Afternoon: first lesson with Marcial and Roxanna. Roxanna drove Marcial out to the camp from Buenos Aries on her motorcycle. We all exchanged greetings and agreed that we would eat lunch together before we began our first session. Adam was able to share lunch and stay though out the introductory session.
Marcial is a principal at 28 years of age. It was always his dream to become a teacher. He worked very hard and eventually went to Managua to study mathematics. His sister also teaches. He seems warm and jovial, of good humor and patience. He feels that it a "blessing from God" that his school got these computers. Actually the computers will become the property of Camp Alegria (at least as it stands right now). He is concerned over the condition of his school. He is aware that neighboring Costa Rica has computers in elementary schools. His school is in disrepair, has no electricity and serves 172 children in limited space. He knows in his heart that this is a very special project of great importance to the future of these children. He is unfamiliar with computers but is dedicated to this project.
Roxanna is lovely with spunk. While only 18 she finished high school early (at 16) and with Marcial's help was able to go on and get her teaching certificate. She is smart, inquisitive and daring. She was very engaged in the initial introduction and lessons.
Adam senses the promise of the course and training and is anxious to provide whatever support he can to making the project go forward smoothly and effectively. He also gleaned the true value of this project and training after the introduction and initial lesson beautifully delivered by Carolyn with back up support from Bill and myself.
The day was successful. Inspiring. And informal. The evening and night were spent preparing for tomorrows lessons and the first encounter with the children.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
Afternoon: first lesson with Marcial and Roxanna. Roxanna drove Marcial out to the camp from Buenos Aries on her motorcycle. We all exchanged greetings and agreed that we would eat lunch together before we began our first session. Adam was able to share lunch and stay though out the introductory session.
Marcial is a principal at 28 years of age. It was always his dream to become a teacher. He worked very hard and eventually went to Managua to study mathematics. His sister also teaches. He seems warm and jovial, of good humor and patience. He feels that it a "blessing from God" that his school got these computers. Actually the computers will become the property of Camp Alegria (at least as it stands right now). He is concerned over the condition of his school. He is aware that neighboring Costa Rica has computers in elementary schools. His school is in disrepair, has no electricity and serves 172 children in limited space. He knows in his heart that this is a very special project of great importance to the future of these children. He is unfamiliar with computers but is dedicated to this project.
Roxanna is lovely with spunk. While only 18 she finished high school early (at 16) and with Marcial's help was able to go on and get her teaching certificate. She is smart, inquisitive and daring. She was very engaged in the initial introduction and lessons.
Adam senses the promise of the course and training and is anxious to provide whatever support he can to making the project go forward smoothly and effectively. He also gleaned the true value of this project and training after the introduction and initial lesson beautifully delivered by Carolyn with back up support from Bill and myself.
The day was successful. Inspiring. And informal. The evening and night were spent preparing for tomorrows lessons and the first encounter with the children.
-Mary http://waveplace.com/news/blog/archive/cat_location_nicaragua.jsp
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