Connecting with the computer

Sandhya Sawant

Technology is the need of the hour. Everybody is becoming tech-savvy. When children go to grade one from kindergarten they are lost. The new environment, new teacher, longer hours in school and new subjects all overwhelm them. I have been a kindergarten teacher for many years and now teach computers to the primary classes. So I can understand the children’s emotions and feelings.

At this age, though the children are aware of computers, laptops and mobile phones, most do not yet know how to use them. They are not familiar with the different parts of the computer and their uses. So to make them feel comfortable and to help them learn how to use the computer, I have developed some techniques.

This song I wrote to help my students identify the different parts of a computer. Sing it with your students and let me know your experience.

1. Parts of the computer

Where is monitor? (2)
Here I am, Here I am.
How are you this morning?
Very well thank you.
And see, see, see.
You can see your work.

Where is mouse? (2)
Here I am, Here I am.
How are you this morning?
Very well thank you.
And click, click, click.
You can open any program.

Where is keyboard? (2)
Here I am, Here I am
How are you this morning?
Very well thank you.
And type, type, type.
You can type anything you want.

Where is CPU? (2)
Here I am, Here I am.
How are you this morning?
Very well thank you.
And think, process, work.
You can process and you can work.

Where is speaker? (2)
Here I am, Here I am.
How are you this morning?
Very well thank you.
And listen to songs.
And listen to music.

La la la la la

Activity: Learning parts of the computer through song

Aims and objectives
• To learn about the different parts of the computer through songs.
• To develop an interest for learning ICT.
• To memorize the different parts of the computer.
• To enhance vocabulary.
• To develop thinking and listening skills.

Method
Sing the song with actions and flash cards and ask the children to repeat after you. (Tune: Finger family song – Where is thumbkin? To become more familiar with the tune teachers can visit this link – https://youtu.be/bRNDu3O2VQY).

Learning outcome
• Children will know about the different parts of the computer.
• They will learn how to use the different parts of the computer.
• Develop vocabulary.

2. Connect the dots

Activity: Learning how to use the mouse.

Aims and objectives

• To learn how to connect the dots and become familiar with operating the mouse.
• To develop concentration.
• To learn to select and open programs.

Material: Any connect the dots worksheet, pencil, computer.

Method
Ask the children to settle down in the computer lab. Make them comfortable by singing the song on parts of the computer. Then give them the connecting dots worksheet. Teach them how to connect the dots and complete the picture. Then introduce them to the computer mouse and its functions. Teach them how to click with the mouse. Teach them the right and left click. Explain how they can connect the dots on the screen this time. Teachers can use the following two links to download connect the dot software to help children learn how to use the mouse i) https://download.cnet.com/Connect-The-Dots/3000-2102_4-10726403.html. ii) https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/p/connect-the-dots/9wzdncrfj4zl#activetab=pivot:overviewtab. Once the students become familiar with moving and clicking the mouse, they will be able to operate the mouse comfortably and can select and open programs on the computer.

Learning outcome
• Children will learn how to use the mouse.
• They will develop concentration.

Note: This activity should be done first on paper, as it is very important to get first-hand experience and the children should understand what connecting the dots is, and then the same activity can be done on the computer.

3. Tux Paint

Activity: Learning how to use Tux Paint program.

Aims and objectives

• To learn how to use Tux Paint.
• To learn to select and open the program.
• To learn how to use different tools and brushes in Tux Paint.
• To develop concentration and thinking skills.
• To develop imagination.
• To learn to be more creative.
• To develop language.

Materials: A penguin puppet, colours, paint brushes, picture cards (of animals, birds, fruits vegetables, toys, etc.), Tux Paint program or software.

Method
Ask the children to settle down in the computer lab. Make them comfortable by singing the song on parts of the computer. Then begin your lesson by telling them a story using picture cards or story cards.

Story
Once there lived a boy named Jay. He was six years old. He was fond of painting and was very creative. He was in class one. One day when his teacher came to the class and told him it was time for the computer period, Jay was unhappy, he was not excited like the other kids. His teacher asked him why. He told his teacher that he is scared of the computer.

To make Jay feel comfortable his teacher thought of helping him do the activity using a story. She made him sit comfortably and introduced the Tux Paint program. She brought a penguin puppet, different types of pictures for colouring, brushes and colours. Then she made the puppet select the paint brush and coloured one picture on a paper first. Then she brought the puppet near the computer and did a similar activity on the computer. Jay was amused. He wondered how a penguin could operate the computer. He smiled and said to himself if a penguin could do it so could he. He was happy and now had the confidence of drawing and colouring on the computer.

Note: Teachers can develop their own stories and make children comfortable while attempting such activities.

Learning outcome

• Children will learn how to use Tux Paint program.
• They will learn to be more creative by exploring Tux Paint program under the guidance of their teacher.
• They will develop their thinking skills.

Note: Teachers please make children comfortable before introducing them to any new activity or any new teaching program.

The author, currently a primary school teacher, started her career as an elementary school teacher. She believes in having an open mind to allow new teaching techniques to blossom and thereby help her students enjoy their classes. She can be reached at shrushti23@yahoo.co.in.