I have to admit, when I tell people that the third graders (or first graders or second graders) are building with LEGOS, it's sometimes hard for them to imagine all the critical thinking and problem solving skills needed to complete a robotic LEGO project. LEGOs are just plain fun to play with - we all know that - so what makes this kit different? The first thing to know is that these kits consist of very specifc LEGO pieces - gears, motors, sensors. Children are guided through a series of steps to assemble these pieces into simple machines. Next they connect their simple machines to computers via a USB cable. This allows students to use the WEDO programming software to write code that will make the motors or sensors respond. So, yes it's fun to play with LEGOS, but it's also a great way for young learners to gain an understanding of engineering concepts and computer programming

Here at Wise School all students must agree
to our Wise and Responsible Computer Use Agreement in order
to use our school computers. Students in 4-6 grade must agree to
our Wise and Responsible Personal Electronic Device Agreement. Both
are signed by parents. The reason we do this is to make our guidelines
clear and to help children become responsible users of technology.

As a professional in the area of education technology, I am well aware of the challenges that technology brings to a family. This is why I strongly encourage the use of a Family Computer Use Agreement. As a family it is important to discuss issues related to computer use at home, set clear guidelines and work towards making technology a useful tool in our lives.

Together, we can help to make our community work smarter with technology. If you would like help in shaping your Family Computer Use Agreement, please contact me at jahoffman@wiseelementary.org