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| Computers Helping Instruction and Learning Development (Project CHILD). A computer-integrated instructional program for the elementary school. The goals are to: (1) modify the school structure and create classroom conditions conducive for learning with technology; (2) create cohesive units of work that foster strategies for thinking; and (3) realign curriculum for reading, language arts, and mathematics so as to cover legally mandated content while fully integrating computer technology into the curriculum. |
Audience Approved by PEP for students in grades K-5.
Description Computers Helping Instruction and Learning Development (Project CHILD) seeks to modify the school structure and create classroom conditions conducive for learning with technology, create cohesive units of work that foster strategies for thinking, and realign curriculum for reading, language arts, and mathematics. It provides a system for fully integrating technology into reading, math, and language arts, and classroom management techniques for using computers and hands-on learning. It also offers strategies for teaming, cooperative learning, and parent involvement. Three classrooms form a Project CHILD cluster, grades K-2 or 3-5. Each of the three cluster teachers becomes a content specialist for one of the three Project CHILD subject areas in addition to being responsible for one grade-level classroom. Students from each grade in the cluster move among the classrooms to spend one hour per day working in each of the three subject areas. Thus teachers work in their specialty with the same students for three years. A Project CHILD classroom is organized with learning stations, and each has a computer station with 3-6 computers, a teacher station for small-group instruction, textbook and writing stations, and hands-on activity stations. Students follow a precise management plan for moving to the stations and set goals and record their activities in a book called a Passport. Required curriculum content is covered in six-week thematic units.
Project CHILD addresses the National Goals for Education by serving as an effective dropout prevention strategy; increasing the academic performance of elementary students; providing a systematic approach to develop reasoning ability, problem solving, decision making, and knowledge application; focusing on systematic approaches to writing and communicating effectively; and emphasizing mathematics concept development in the early grades.
Evidence of Effectiveness School-by-school and pooled effect sizes by grade derived from standardized test score data reveal positive effect sizes in reading and math for CHILD students and significantly large effect sizes for students in lower-achieving schools and for those who participated for more than one year in the program. CHILD students have 2% fewer retentions overall, 6% fewer discipline referrals, and higher self-esteem and more positive attitudes toward school than non-CHILD students. Teachers express positive opinions toward the program.
Requirements Two days of training are required for teachers and the principal before implementation of the program, with one day of follow-up training at midsemester. A computer aide is required in the primary cluster classrooms to assist children in doing tasks such as selecting designated software and reading lesson menus. Obtaining full support from the superintendent and district staff, school board members, and parents is advised.
Costs Start-up cost for a six-classroom K-5 unit with 180 students for CHILD materials, training, and on-site support is $11,500. Cost for renewal materials is $1,000.
Services In addition to training and materials, follow-up site visits and consultation are provided.
Developmental Funding: Florida State University College of Education and Florida Department of Education.
PEP No. 91-10 (4/92)
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[CReating Independence through Student-owned Strategies (Project CRISS)]