What's KidSmart?
For students to compete in the global economy, they must have exposure to and experience with modern technologies. But simply putting computers into schools is not enough. For it to be an effective learning tool, technology must be carefully woven into the curriculum by teachers who are trained in its use.

Encased in "Little Tikes" furniture and loaded with award-winning Riverdeep Interactive Learning early educational software, the Young Explorer is a personal computer designed specifically for young children. It's also the center-piece of the IBM KidSmart Early Learning Program, a comprehensive effort to give preschool children a jumpstart on learning. IBM has collaborated with the United Way of America and local United Way organizations to bring thousands of Young Explorer workstations to nonprofit daycare centers and pre-schools in over 1000 locations across the U.S. and abroad that serve more than 1,000,000 pre-kindergarten children. The vast majority of these children come from low-income families with minimal access to technology. The program is now expanding internationally to over 30 countries, including Peru, Thailand and South Africa.

An evaluation by the Bank Street College of Education found that 94 percent of teachers who participated in KidSmart became significantly more comfortable using technology in their classrooms. Teachers also reported they believe that 99 percent of the children in their classrooms are more comfortable using computers than they were before.

In most daycare and preschool settings, computers are rare. So KidSmart provides participating teachers with computer training and early learning materials created by the Center for Children and Technology. The training has been important to overcoming the giant hurdle teachers often face when technology is brought into their classrooms and assists them in the integration of technology into their curriculum.

Hear about the KidSmart program from three different perspectives. Please click on an image below to hear what they have to say:

Esther Olvera, Director of the Hudson Guild's Children's Center in New York City	A Parent speaks about technology, children and KidSmart.	Stanley S. Litow, IBM V.P. Corporate Community Relations