Description
The Intel® Learn Program is the latest program from Intel® Innovation in Education. It is an after-school, community-based program designed to teach technological literacy, problem solving and collaboration skills-essential skills for success in today's knowledge economy. It was designed in collaboration with government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in emerging markets to help governments meet the challenge of providing an engaging computer education program that can be delivered on a large scale to youth who have little or no computer access or skills and to enable the effective use of community technology centers (CTCs).
To meet the challenge, Intel developed a 60–hour curriculum for learners, and provides a 30–hour training for CTC staff on how to implement the curriculum. The governments and NGOs provide the CTC infrastructure and staff, who deliver the curriculum to learners after school. Intel® Learn serves 8 16 year-olds with a wide range of learning abilities and challenges. Most of these learners are from rural, middle to low income, and many of them are likely to be first-generation learners. The curriculum assumes that they possess basic literacy and numeracy skills, some country-specific content knowledge, and limited experience with cognitive processes. Additionally, it is anticipated that such learners have little or no knowledge of computers, with questionable access to them going forward. Intel® Learn is designed to assist the youth develop 21st Century Learning Skills, with a focus on technology literacy, problem solving, and other forms of critical thinking, collaboration and teamwork. The methodology uses a project approach, with the children learning by exploring basic computer applications through meaningful and relevant thematic activities and projects that they undertake with peers. Since its inception in 2003, Intel® Learn has reached more than 100,000 learners in Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Israel, Mexico, Russia and Turkey, with plans for further expansion worldwide. Outside evaluation from SRI International confirm the success of the learning model. Among the highlights: 97% of participant learners completed the program, gaining significant skills in technology, planning, designing, problem-solving, and collaborating, while at the same time, being highly engaged and motivated.
Complete program details are available at http://www.intel.com/education/learn/index.htm
Review Summary and Statement of Alignment
The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) completed its initial review of Intel® Learn Program on December 31, 2005, and has determined that it clearly supports implementation of the ISTE National Educational Technology Standards (NETS) for Students in specific, carefully reviewed and documented ways and substantially prepares participants in the following manner:
| NETS•T ALIGNMENT |
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Meets: 1.A., 1.B., 3.A., 3.B., 4.B., 6.A. |
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Supports significant growth for: 2.A., 2.B., 2.C., 5.B., 6.B. |
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