Computer Lab for Young Social Entrepreneurs

Thanks to you, our Computer Lab is practically finished. We are in fact using it on a daily basis for school assemblies, achievement fairs, groups work and presentations.

We are evaluating in advantages of installing solar energy from the start, rather than adapting later. The electrical installation will proceed once that decision has been reached. The interior divisions will depend on that installation, as well.

The window screens are fully installed. We lack our contribution yet to install the window panes yet. In the meanwhile, we are moving ahead with our digital program, as described below.

Our educators combine local teaching materials with self-instructional digital technology to create a highly personalized and adaptable learning environment for each student. Business plans and projects are structured according to the personal interests of each student. A Personal Learning Environment (PLE) is the “tool kit” which our students will use and update throughout their lives as needed. This emphasis on digital tools and resources actually levels the playing field for our students, giving them access to the same information and processes as students in what are considered more favorable conditions.

The computer lab has opened the door to new horizons. We have enrolled our students in Kahn Academy, an online resource for learning mathematics. Our English program has been greatly enhanced by the online resource Duolingo, which allows students to advance at their own pace. Several have opted for other languages as well. Traditional notebooks have been left behind, in favor of blogs as the medium for analysis and synthesis of each day´s activity and for reporting on progress in projects. Our students learn to organize resource material for their projects and special interests through several online resources, including Scoop.It and Pinterest. Social communication skills are vital tools to have to meet current challenges and opportunities. Among the most common our students use are Google+, Facebook and Twitter. 

Links:

• Blog- Learning Sans Barriers

Although our Computer Lab is not quite finished, it is far along enough to put to use. All that is lacking is the ceramic flooring, windows, electrical installation and internal partitions. Even as it is, it´s a great place for meetings and group activity. It is our most spacious building, cool during the day and well lit.

It has now become the place for music lessons, games and recreation. Parent meetings take place in the new Computer Lab, with plenty of room for interaction and presentations. When inside work is completed, computers will be installed.

Since our last report, the roofing has been finished, the screens built and installed and the doors have been built on site and installed. The stucco has been finished inside with one outside wall to be completed. We did add a few items not contemplated within the original project, such as a surface-water drainage and the outside landing and sidewalk for the entrance.

We have gone over budget, as we mentioned in the last report, but are putting together a top quality building that will be in service for many years to come. We will itemize these details in the next report along with a revised budget.

Links:

• Stay up to date with us on the schools facebook site.