Pearson OK's laptops for Pre-Ks
West Island kids may become computer literate as early as four years old if they are students at the Lester B. Pearson School Board's 'Kindergarten for-four-year-olds' project.
In an agreement between the school board and Hewlett Packard, 100 laptops will be donated to the expanding pre-kindergarten program in Orchard, Thorndale, Mount Pleasant elementary, Verdun and the International Language Centre.
The deal made on Aug. 28, a few days before schools re-opened, is to "enhance the children's education," said Pearson chairman Marcus Tabachnick.
"The pieces just fitted well," he said. "We were approached by HP and we were looking to improve our program. (The deal) came at a great time. We are committed to this opportunity."
Not everyone approves
However, the shift into teaching through electronics is not seen as an improvement by everyone, but as detrimental to a child's motor skills which can affect the way they read and write.
The Dorval Co-op pre-school on Lakeshore Road has endorsed its 'learn through play philosophy' for 50 years. They see the ages between three and four years old as a time for kids to 'discover their identity (through) public speaking; gymnastics; dances; storytelling' and other activities where kids learn by manipulating toys, according to Izold Guihur, the Dorval Co-op chairperson.
"It's extremely ridiculous (to have laptops introduced into the curriculum), it's just like putting your child in front of the TV," Guihur said. "It’s the age to socialize and develop motor skills by reading to them, arts and crafts, sharing and playing together. It's very easy to push on keyboards, but learning group dynamics are far more difficult."
University of Toronto Associate Prof. Linda Cameron, of the Teaching and Learning department, views HP's donation as a 'hook them while they're young' marketing strategy.
"I have ethical problems with (what HP is doing)," Cameron said. "It's pretty scary; kids should develop naturally by intriguing them with puzzles and paintings. (The school board) should carefully think about using technology for kids."
The laptops in question are 2133 mini notebooks. They are smaller and weigh less than the average portable computer, but they are not specifically geared towards children. HP states the product is "designed for the education market" and "flexible enough for students to use from the classroom to the family room," according to a news release on the HP website.
"Unless the keys are adapted for kids, they are better off with manipulating toys and stories," said Cameron. "(Standard) laptops are better left with junior elementary students (Grades 2 to 6)."
Tabachnick, meanwhile, reassures his pre-kindergarten staff "will not put a child into a bad situation."
The laptops will be used as an integration tool for kids to learn about shapes and colours, according to Pearson director general Robert Mills.
“We’re building (the integration tools) as we go,” he said. “The laptops were field tested during the summer; we wanted to make sure the equipment was functional for every four year old.”
