Last month I was assigned a new responsibility. (Apparently Karen and Luckner didn’t think I was busy enough.) So, I was given the job of teaching Introduction to Computers to the Grade 10 class at the school. At some point it may be expanded to 3 classes but for now just the one.
BEDLAM – Oxford dictionary definition: A scene of uproar and confusion
BEDLAM – Keif dictionary example: Take a class of 31 grade 11 students with no iPhone or computer experience, give them a blan (a white dude – me) with limited Creole, no teaching experience, with only 8 laptops to share, no electricity and no internet and hope for the best.
You get the picture. Obviously the first couple of classes were really bedlam but then I got a little more creative and the class now is only chaotic. Besides the basic operation of the computer, I have 2 programs for the students to learn and practice their skills on. One is a typing program and the other is to practice their math skills. While the first group uses the laptop, the others watch various videos. I have shown them documentaries on the International Space Station, Animals of the Serengeti, the planets, the inauguration of the new Haitian president and of course the weekly Barcelona Soccer highlights.
Computer Class
Bedlam
The weekly videos are a highlight
The eldest kids at the orphanage also have been receiving computer instruction since last year. Again it is basic computer operation, learning to type and work on their math skills. No games and no internet here either.
Moise and Leica enjoying computer class.
Ti Luc is also getting very adept at using his laptop. He has a large keyboard for his feet and I built a computer desk to hold it all together. No games for him either, Professor Joan makes sure he is doing his homework.
Ti Luc being monitored by Professor Joan.
In an effort to eliminate the bedlam and chaos in the computer class I need some help. I need at least 20 laptop computers donated so everyone will have their own to use in class. That is the only way for the students to make some progress.
- Do you have one you are not using?
- Do you know of a company upgrading their laptops?
- Do you have a network of friends you can share this request with?
- Does the laptop have an operating system and rechargeable battery?
HATS has people all across Canada who can collect the laptop donations. Please contact me at: keith.wight@hatshaiti.org. I will make arrangements to collect your laptops and bring them to Haiti on my next trip.
It is all about the children.
~Keith
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