Cool computer clicks with preschoolers

Manatuofa Mila (left), 3, Ofeina Mila, 4, Kohamta Toetue, 4, and Angelina Lolohea, 4, with the KidSmart workstation. Photo / Richard Robinson

Extra giggles are being heard at one South Auckland preschool - all at
the click of a button.

Children at the Akoteu Katokakala (basket of flowers) bilingual preschool in Otara have been given a new made-for-kids computer workstation.

Coloured with flashes of purple, red and yellow, the IBM KidSmart workstation is one of 70 computers the company has distributed to
preschools throughout New Zealand this year.

Akoteu Katokakala supervisor Sulieti Pau'uvale-Moa said the children had been very excited at being able to play - and learn without knowing
it - on the machine.

"It's colourful and cool - their eyes just light up. They learn to read and listen carefully to the instructions given to them," Mrs Pau'uvale-Moa said.

"It's really good for their eye co-ordination and concentration and it's
helping them build relationships with each other - taking turns and co-operation.

"It makes learning interesting and fun and it's encouraged some parents to go to computer courses.

"They see how their children react and want to get involved," she said.

This year is the third that IBM New Zealand has distributed the work
stations to preschools.