Main Topics

Introduction Levels of Participation Awareness Level Family Technology Workshops Follow-Up Workshops Assistance Ideas to Increase Participation Family Resources Performance Indicators Site Map

Family Participation -- Technology Workshops

Sub-Topics (Click on topic you wish to see) Awareness Workshop Follow-up Workshop

Family Technology Workshops

Workshops are another method of providing awareness information to families. Families can learn about the software and literacy activities which are being used in their child's classroom. Workshops are also a good time to let families explore the programs for themselves. Two workshops have been designed for the awareness level of involvement. The first one is intended for the adult family members, while the second one includes the children.

• Awareness Workshop
• Follow-up Workshop

View Preschool Parents Invitation

Awareness Workshop

A successful workshop approach involves assembling  a number of computer work stations in a room. Set up each station with a different device and software. This way families can rotate through the stations and have an opportunity to explore all of the devices. The applications at each station will depend on the population of children served by the program. Possible work stations include the following:

Work Station 1: Commercial Software Applications with Switch Input

• Switch Interface
• Switch
• Software that gives family members an opportunity to interact with a story or create a rhyme:
  
  • Storytime Tales
  • Pippi
  • WorkShop

Work Station 2: Commercial Software Applications with Mouse Input

• Mouse
• Software that gives family members the opportunity to explore the features of software which encourage emergent literacy:
  
  • Stellaluna
  • Green Eggs and Ham

Work Station 3: Tool and Graphic Software Applications

• Mouse
• TouchWindow
• Color Printer

  Software illustrating how children use the computer to write or create their own designs:

  • Kid Pix
  • EA*Kids Art
  • Stanley Sticker Stories

Work Station 4: HyperStudio Applications

• Mouse
• Color Printer
• HyperStudio

  This station shows families how children can make their own HyperStudio pages by adding voices, photographs and video. Families can view a stack already made by the classroom.

Work Station 5: Computer Management Applications

• Microphone
• Printer
• Kid Desk

  This station shows families how desktop tools can be used by children.

Work stations should be labeled and numbered for identification purposes.  At each station a brief explanation and demonstration of sample software program is given. Family members can work individually or in a small group, spending 10-15 minutes at each work station.

Those family members who are already familiar with the computer may be asked to assist during the workshop by helping other adults launch software programs and by making them feel more comfortable at the computer station. To ensure a successful workshop, opportunities for instant success are provided using simple and fun software titles. Experiences can be photographed with a digital or other camera, and videotaped to share with the children or to save as a record of family involvement.

Participating in the workshop provides families with an understanding of computer use with children. By personally using the same software programs as their child, parents are able to understand how technology activities promote literacy, problem solving, artistic expression, math, science, and social studies skills. They can talk about the software programs with their children at home, furthering communication and cognitive skills.

Follow Up Workshops for Families