Students in Eabametoong and Attawapiskat will soon have brand-new One-Laptop-Per-Child computers.
“I know they will benefit our students because the computers come fully loaded with an encyclopedia,” said Denise Fontaine, principal at John C. Yesno Education Centre in Eabametoong. “The student will be able to type what they are writing into the computer and the computer will speak back to them. It will help them with the oral component of what they are writing.”
The computers have about eight customized programs, including literacy, mental health, physical fitness, financial literacy, food and nutrition, science of sound, virtual library and water safety programs.
The science of sound program features Cree singer Buffy Sainte-Marie walking the children through the nature of sound and Native American/Aboriginal instruments. The mental health program will help youth deal with issues such as bullying and the pressure to use drugs or alcohol.
The program was announced Sept. 29 by the Belinda Stronach Foundation, with about 5,000 laptops to be distributed to children aged six to 12 in Aboriginal communities across Canada. Support from Vale, BMO Financial Group and the government of Ontario made the program possible.
“I believe strongly in combining the power of technology and education and investing in our young people,” said Stronach, the former federal cabinet minister and Magna International executive. “One Laptop Per Child Canada is about just that. Aboriginal kids should have the same opportunities as every other child in Canada – and we’re delighted to launch OLPC with our partners and welcome others to the table.”
Fontaine said the teachers in her school are being trained so they can show the students how to use the computers in the classroom as well as at home.
“This is important for First Nation schools where there are multi-levels within the classroom,” Fontaine said. “The teacher will be able to assign specific levels based on the student’s ability levels.”
The One Laptop Per Child program was developed to create educational opportunities for the world’s poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning.
