The Project

So they told us we would use digital technologies to preserve local cultures. Sounds impressive, right? And culturally sensitive? Turns out no one cared. As numerous people in the town pointed out, you can show someone how to create a blog and use a camera/videocamera in three days -- then what? If your town could care less about documenting obscurities -- or about luring American tourists to see them -- you´re kind of stuck. So you reorient yourself.

Which we did. The main thing the town wanted was English classes. English, English, English. We were hardly ESL experts, but we designed an introductory lesson which incorporated English and computer basics. First the kids chose their favorite thing in the world. Then they chose ten things related to that thing. Then they wrote a story incorporating those ten things. And finally, they found out the definitions and pronunciations of those words in English and incorporated them in a revised version of the story in Microsoft Word. This worked well, engaging the kids in both competencies. It did not, however, directly target either. To do that, we needed to defer to the experts. We needed to stop teaching and start facilitating.

Mavis Beacon and Lowa ESL Learner were the answers. Typing may not be as flashy as blogs, digital cameras, or the internet, but it an essential computer skill. Once you know how to work the mouse and make your way around, you need to know how to touch type to move on. Mavis Beacon´s top-flight games, tips, and setup is the best way to give them that leg-up. Lowa ESL Learner´s top-flight games, tips, and setup serves the same basic purpose: giving Esquipulas students skills they can use for years to come.