IBM starts KidSmart Early Learning Programme for Irelands 3-7 year old kids

IBM is starting its KidSmart Early Learning Programme in this Christmas in 43 schools across the Ireland.

IBM is donating 78 of its 'Young Explorer Centres' with its own multimedia and software to school across the county. The main aim of the computer centres, which is especially designed for 3-7 year old students to provide an effective start in learning and teaching. The donation is part of a nationwide scheme that the Dublin-based multinational company, has deployed across all 26 counties since 2000. IBM KidSmart Early Learning Centre will consist of a colourful and durable 'Little Tikes' desk and bench that seats children working in two's and three's, housing a multimedia IBM PC, award-winning educational software and a colour printer.  The centres are supported by a Teacher's Guide, a multi-lingual web site for teachers and parents (www.kidsmartearlylearning.org) and the NCTE (National Centre for Technology in Education) to encourage teachers and parents to maximise the use of ICT to teach young children.