Is your child Facebook friends with teachers? Do your students or children open the files of their peers on shared computers or networks? Do they understand that school computers and the work they do on them are school property?

A controversial new Missouri law that tries to restrict teachers and students from becoming social media “friends” puts a new spin on a sticky issue - how to leverage technology’s immense power for education while also teaching how to use it responsibly.

For parents, the issues may seem overwhelming. For Computer Explorers, the answers are built into every program. Computer Explorers is a franchised education company that uses technology in innovative ways to engage students in science, math, English and other core academic subjects. How to use technology responsibly is embedded in all its after-school programs, recreation center classes, summer camps and even offerings for toddlers.

Many parents worry about the risks of technology access for their children but the key is to teach youngsters how to use it responsibly from the outset. You can’t put the genie back in the bottle but you can set some ground rules.

As the 2011-12 academic year gains momentum, many schools will send new “Responsible Use Policies” home with students for parents to review and sign. The policies set rules for computer and Internet use at school and differ for each age group.

Parents get piles of forms to sign at the start of the school year, but the technology policy is a crucial part of their child’s schooling. Each year, technology is more and more integrated into education and the earlier children understand how to use it responsibly, the better they’ll be prepared for more learning, workplace demands and responsible citizenship.

For these issues, Computer Explorers is a powerful resource. The local company also has an Internet safety program that it can present to PTA groups and community centers at no charge.

At home, parents can reinforce the message with some steps of their own:

-Know what Internet sites your child is visiting.
-Set age-appropriate ground rules for home computer use.
-Supervise on-line experiences of young children.
-Teach your child that saying mean things about others on the Internet, including teasing and name-calling, is not acceptable.

Technology will only become more of a force in schools, homes and jobs. Parents and schools don’t have to go it alone and can trust that all of our Computer Explorers programs provide children with not only solid academic learning but clear rules about what is and what is not responsible use of it.

Responsible use is also a key part of our business model. If you are curious about opening your own Computer Explorers, start a conversation with us.

“Miss Ginger is coming! Miss Ginger is coming,” the kids chant as Miss Ginger McCloy enters. A teacher with Computer Explorers of New Castle County, Delaware, Miss Ginger’s enthusiasm for the kids and technology is contagious. With experience teaching Computer Explorers’ summer camps, Integrated Technology Resource Programs (ITRP) and Computertots, Ginger has a lot to say about the program that brings her and her students such joy.

Computer Explorers: What do you teach for Computer Explorers?
Ginger McCloy: When I started out with Computer Explorers I was with ITRP. I worked within schools, meeting frequently with teachers and implementing the computer as a learning tool for their lessons. In the lab, I worked mostly with 3rd through 6th graders, using computer programs to help the kids create projects like graphs and charts for science courses or newsletters for EngIish.

I have also taught some of the Computer Explorers summer programs. Last year we worked on LEGOs and robotics. The 1st and 2nd graders made a LEGO dinosaur and then added motors and other parts to make it move. They then plugged it into the computer and programmed it so the dinosaur’s mouth could open and shut. A very fun experience.

Currently, I work with the 3-to-5-year-olds teaching Computertots classes in three different schools. I just love it; it is so wonderful to see how each age group grows from year to year. Computertots is exciting because we work with new curricula every month and plan our lessons accordingly. Sometimes I even help with in-school field trips related to the programs. For example in the camp called Dino Digs, I helped to orchestrate an in-school field trip to the gymnasium and the kids had to uncover dinosaur bones. It’s all so much fun, and the kids get really excited about it.

CE: How long have you been working for Computer Explorers? How did you come to work for the local franchise?
GM: I have been working for Computer Explorers for 12 years now. Every year we do so many different things and are always getting new programs and ideas, so it is always exciting. You can never get bored at Computer Explorers.

CE: What is your educational and professional background?
GM: I have a degree in Elementary Education. I taught second grade for two years and third grade for 11 years before deciding that I needed a change. I went to work for a credit card company handling the security systems for 13 years. It was there that I found my love for technology, but I missed being around kids. Computer Explorers served as the perfect fit for my interests.

CE: What do you like about teaching with these programs?
GM: For one, I love working with children --  it is always new and exciting. All the children are very different, making each class a fun experience. It is wonderful watching them grow and knowing that they have technology under their belt and are ready for whatever path they might choose.

CE: Can you describe a typical Computertots class?
GM: We start out with three or four children around a computer. I always talk about the game we are going to be playing or program we will be doing that day. I like to use technology word flashcards and talk about the different vocabulary words that help with their understanding. The kids are always eager to load the games, and we even sing a loading song while we get everyone started. The children work together so nicely. So many want to help out their neighbors right away, and it is wonderful to see how much they learn from each other. I just love being able to guide them along.

Every two weeks we have a new program. This month we are using the Digital Blue software - currently working on creating our own Goldilocks movie.

CE: How tech-savvy are the students you work with? Have you noticed that change over time as new ones start?
GM: So many children are already approaching the computer at age one and a half. These children are fully aware of their parents’ involvement with technology and are unbelievably quick at understanding it. It is interesting to look back on some of the programs that I used 12 years ago that seem too easy now. I think technology itself has advanced, and these kids are advancing with it. These kids are more prepared for what the future of technology holds and have a large advantage over others.

CE: People say that these programs help build problem-solving skills among young learners. Do you have some examples?
GM: I love this program because it not only teaches the students to work together, but the fact that they are working in group settings enables them to gather information from each child’s turn on the computer. As they watch what the others are doing, they become more able to understand and solve problems. We also have many programs that are designed to enhance problem-solving skills, and we put on our thinking caps and really work at helping solve problems together.

CE: How do Computer Explorers programs foster collaborative learning?
GM: As I said before, the way these classes are designed helps kids learn from one another. I don’t ever have the kids compete against each other. I have them work together on most everything and if we do any kind of competition it is with themselves. That’s what life is about, children, or people rather, learning to work in group situations. I know they enjoy the classroom setup; in fact one day I overheard the students taking turns being Miss Ginger and teaching computer class.


CE: Are there any instances that are especially memorable?
GM: Parents come up to me all the time and say, “Wednesday is the only day I can get my child out of bed, because he/she knows we have Computertots that day!” If you can’t already tell, I am very enthusiastic about what I do. I love the software we use and the wealth of information we have to work with. Every day is a memorable day for me.

CE: How important is it that youngsters get this type of training early?
GM: It definitely helps them feel good about themselves. They are finding success. It is such a growth experience for them to be able to go into the home, or wherever, and feel confident. This type of early training sets them up for future success.

Robin Scott, owner of Computer Explorers of the Triad and surrounding areas, received some great press in a recent article published on High Point Enterprise in High Point, N.C. A local child care program brought in Computer Explorers for a week-long "CSI" camp to great reception from the youngsters. Read more about the program in the article below:

by Jimmy Tomlin

7/18/2011

Women rule.

And in the near future, they’ll rule in even bigger numbers.

“They will be a dominant force in the health, education and service sectors, which all are expected to grow significantly in the next 10 years,” according to The Intuit 2020 Report.

On this measure, Computer Explorers is already ahead of the curve. Women hold all of our top corporate leadership positions. Although we are a great franchise for men, women and couples to own, more than 50 percent of our local franchises are owned by women. Women who left corporate jobs because they wanted flexibility and freedom own many of our top performing franchises.

Traditional employment and corporate jobs can be rigid, especially for parents trying to raise young children and take part in their lives as they grow up. Our franchisee satisfaction rate is very high, in part because gives owners the flexibility they want to lead more balanced lives.

Typically, women have different emotional drivers than men and in U.S. culture, women still carry the majority of the family care burden. Owning a business helps many women to find life balance: to manage caring for their families and to contribute to the household bottom line at the same time.

Even more substantial, Computer Explorers is a franchise that makes a real difference in the lives of young students. Children who once struggled in math, science and reading become better students and even consider technology career paths because of their great experiences in CE classes. For many women, doing something that makes the world a better place is very fulfilling.

Listen to what some a few of our franchise owners have to say about owning a Computer Explorers franchise:

“I would recommend it if you are looking to spend more time with your family. That was my biggest issue in my old job, working 12-hour days and not being with my family. The job itself is great too, and like having a sort of extended family here and seeing the kids’ faces as they work and learn”

Charlotte Mabus, owner of Computer Explorers franchisees

in St. Louis and Illinois

“Computer Explorers enabled me to combine my teaching and business degrees with my desire to be my own boss. I could work from home and own a business that provided me the flexibility I was looking for when I had two small children. Working from home was very new when I started. When you work a traditional corporate job you have to schedule everything around that 9 to 5 time frame.”

Jenifer Morack, who has owned a Computer Explorers franchise

in New Jersey for more than 20 years

“I soon realized that Computer Explorers would give me the quality of life I want with my kids and satisfy my desire to run my own business. I am so glad I made the switch. It’s just a different world for kids when they actually get to see their parents. Plus, I have a job I’m passionate about.”

Robin Scott, owner of Computer Explorers franchise

in the Greensboro/Triad of North Carolina and 2009 Franchisee of the year

For its report, Inuit, along with Emergent Resources, put together a list of 20 important demographic, social, economic and technology trends that will shape the economy of the next decade. Their experts call this one the “She-conomy.”

We like the sound of that. If you do, too, let’s start a conversation.