[Squeakland] Demoing Etoys to kids

[Brad Fuller]

On Sat August 11 2007 3:58 am, Luke Gorrie wrote:
> Howdy!
>
> Can anyone suggest a fun way to demo Etoys to kids aged around 10-12?
>
> A friend and I are helping out with a couple of summer camps for kids
> and we're looking for an opportunity to bring Etoys into the mix,
> either one on one or with a small group, and for only a short period
> of time (30-60 minutes, say). Most of the kids only speak arabic, we
> have one OLPC XO and several other laptops.
>
> Our first idea was the "Etoys Challenge for Novices" from the OLPC XO
> but we wonder if this is a bit ambitious based on half an hour with a
> bright 12-year-old who can read english (I'm not sure).
>
> What we'd like is for kids to be amused and to have some glimpse of
> what a computer is like, and for ourselves to learn a bit about how
> kids deal with computers. Any advice would be welcome.

That brings up a related question that I have. A friend is having problems 
teaching 3rd graders (USA) basic geometry. She's not familiar with computers 
and the school is in a financially poor district. I explained etoys a bit and 
gave her the Squeak DVD to watch. She thought it was interesting and etoys to 
be potentially helpful, but complained they didn't have the resources.And, 
even if they did, she wouldn't know where to start (I told her 
about "Powerfule Ideas In The Classroom"). I think there are always resources 
and I have a feeling she just feels overwhelmed. 

My question: what can I do to further this along? What steps have others taken 
faced with similar situations? I appreciate any ideas that you may have.

Thanks,

brad