Tokyo Kids Gaining IT and English Skills

TechnoKids Manager:
Shelley BEARSE

Kids' inquisitive minds and quick learning abilities very often surprise - and sometimes shock - mums and dads. But if your children are spending too much time playing computer games and not enough time learning, there is a way to pull them back in line and onto something that will benefit them - and maybe even you!

Since September 2003, TechnoKids, a Tokyo-based information technology (IT) training company run by Canadian Shelley BEARSE, has been offering a unique computer curriculum package designed to offer a fun way for children to learn about technology, increase their computer literacy, and enable them to practice their English at the same time. How? Well, for schools that want to teach kids about IT but do not have the resources to do so, TechnoKids prvides teachers with theme-based IT training programs in two languages that can be merged directly into schools' current curriculums.

In 2005 and 2006, TechnoKids has trained about 120 youngsters, the majority of them Japanese schoolchildren, aged from 4 to 14 years old. TechnoKids also teaches big kids and the company's corporate customers include credit card companies and major international banks. Customers are currently both Japanese and foreigners living in Tokyo with ages ranging from 4~84.

While technology is something we cannot escape from in today?s world, Shelley says she likes to show people how they can use it most effectively in their daily lives. "Technology is a tool, not a hindrance. We receive enquiries from people, both private and corporations, asking 'If you can teach kids, can you teach me?' This has become a common occurrence."

What kind of feedback does Shelley receive from children and parents? "The kids, whether native Japanese or native English speakers all agree on one term - cool!" she exclaims. "Parents are amazed that their 5-year-old is learning PowerPoint, a presentation tool, and are convincing the children to show them how. One student created a fantastic PowerPoint presentation in which she stated she loves computers but hates computer software. Hmmmm ... I think Bill GATES would agree that PowerPoint is software, but isn't it great to see that the kids aren't seeing it that way?"

Students don't only learn about IT. Instruction is carried out in English - with some Japanese translation where necessary - and all work produced is also done in English, so students naturally pick up English while they learn.

"The children are speaking English language in the class - most of them have never done that - and they are doing this in a no-stress environment, in fact most of them probably don't even realize they are doing this," Shelley says. "In 10 years, I would like to see TechnoKids or a program similar to it, as part of the Japanese public school curriculum, or as an after school club."

TechnoKids Japan
www.technokidsjapan.com

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