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Our activities
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Computers and Information Technology
Computer science activities are at the origin of the School’s creation. From the very beginning the mission has been to favor real learning and personal fulfillment, all the while avoiding the gadget side of computer science (sterile games, using office suites without understanding how it works, internet surfing with no purpose…).
The computer language LOGO is a fantastic tool to place the child at the center of logical reasoning. For older children, the learning of and training in another programming language can be very satisfying, as well as can be developing their creativity by setting up websites or other free media projects.
 LOGO: Computers and Pedagogy
Why learning LOGO ?
LOGO, always at the service of the project…
When he uses this language, a child can be the drive of his own project. LOGO creates a sort of microcosm in which the student can express himself according to what is most important to him.
This specific method around the project has been studied as one of the most efficient pedagogical practices. Gradually, the child wants to use LOGO and as a result learns more to better the graphics and techniques of his project.
LOGO provokes reasoning
In order to bring his project to completion th echild will unconsciously have to come up with tricks. Indeed, through some specific programming, he will have the possibility to encode structures more and more complex and abstract. His project becomes richer at every step. Each experience with the computer builds a mathematical logic. First, teh child will exploit predefined structures, but very soon he will anticipate, create, and try and invent additional instructions, always renewing and re-adapting.
LOGO teaches meticulousness
This aspect of LOGO remains one of the richest for the child and his « facilitator ». Just like adult programming, LOGO needs precise instructions. Forgetting the space or a letter is out of the question ! These problems will have to be solved by the child through reflection, search of the mistake, and especially through personal investment and perseverance. Most of the time, the process leads the student and teacher to finish a project much more ambitious than originally planned. The relationship that blooms between these two players is also one of the most important ingredients to bring the project to completion.
LOGO’s transversal and disciplinary competences
In the midst of all this activity, the child will also learn autonomy, initiative, the use of tools, to analyse other programs, to communicate with his peers, to search for new « primitives » (which constitues the dictionary of the LOGO language)…
This can be possible only if the child learns how to analyse his approach. And has confidence in himself. When it comes to school-like competences, I couldn’t name them all here, they are too numerous ; whether it be in mathematics (structuring space and its components, calculation, establishing logical links and measurements…), in communication skills, in artistic development, and in general awakening, the child is the unmistakable beneficiary. Here are some examples :
Intuitive and experimental knowledge of the notion of angles.
- Understanding the coordinates of a point in space.
- Constructing polygones.
- Basic mathematic operations.
- Concrete use of integrals.
- Logical operators (if, otherwise, and, or, then…)
- Reading, writing, listening and expressing oneself.Concepts of time, rhythm, notes and color.
LOGO familiarizes the child with the logic programming and the use of the computer as a tool.
Of course everything we’ve mentioned happens through the machine, which is not endowed with intelligence, its only faculties being to store and restitute information. The child’s perception of computer science will evolve, as he understands the general workings of a computer.
Enriched by this experience, he can discover more and deepen his knowledge of LOGO, juggle abstract notions, exchange ideas, ask for help, and bring his…
Bravo to the children who persevere, let us not forget the fun in LOGO at all ages.
 Programming: Initiation and Improvement
But programming what and what for?
The first motivation for programming is to have fun by creating a software that can be shown like an artist shows his work, a filmmaker his movie, a writer his book… This software can be a utilitarian program, a game, or a multimedia montage…
Numerous subjects and a variety of themes.
We have noticed that our young authors have a vivid imagination. A teenager interested in Chinese cuisine has created his own cooking software and a ten-year-old boy has developed a multimedia software on prestige cars. A young lady created one on mountains, its flora and fauna. James Bond, Celine Dion, Philippe Geluck have all been topics of projects by fans. Horses, dogs, cats are some of the other stars. Some authors have also programmed lottery games, slot machines, hangmen, and other games of logic.
The method.
For a vacation workshop, the project is usually about developing a multimedia montage, which allows a gentle approach to programming. First, the subject needs to be determined: get informed, research documentation, find websites about it, bring a personal touch… Second, write a script. And then comes the programming. We will build different screens with images and text, we could also add sounds, music and videos. A project that spans the entire year has time to mature. It can become very ambitious with will and effort.
The possibilities are infinite: the computer is everywhere and allows to accomplish anything in audiovisual and mathematics. As the weeks go by, the fun grows, and the students feel powerful and master better and better the machine and the codes to run it. No matter his level, the student will always progress, correct bugs, manipulate the operating system (Windows for example), use all basic functions and communicate, and thus bloom!
Internet and creation of web sites
The execution of a web site or of a part of it offers many possibilities to use the required tools, whether it is a publishing software, graphics creation or animation.
Some become experts in graphic design, others create animations as advanced as the advertising banners all over the web, or can even program a secure interface for their page. Creativity and rigor will bring such pride that all that will be left is to show off the results on the web!
See pictures
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