In addition, a technology support team at Just Kids was trained to provide daily support and new ideas for classroom teachers. The ACTT Curriculum, which emphasizes independence, problem solving, and exploration, was implemented at Just Kids in the late fall of 1995. The computer center, available for use at all times, is viewed as one of the many centers in an early childhood classroom. A wide variety of interactive software is associated with classroom themes and activities and is integrated into the curriculum. KidDesk is used to manage the computer desktop.
Children work alone or in groups during free play and at other choice times.
Favorite programs emerged such as Ruff s Bone , Harry and the Haunted House , and Just Grandma and Me . Our learning came from observing the children closely over an extended period of time. What seemed at first to be bizarre behavior turned out to be a means of communicating something unintelligible to us. Once the children recognized that computers and software were potential helping tools to meet their own individual needs and desires, positive behaviors emerged. In order to utilize the computer effectively, the children had to communicate and socialize.