Page 212 - DCAP404 _Object Oriented Programming

Unit 9: Inheritance

Notes


Caselet Lisping IT, with ABC

he vocabulary of a generation reflects the times that they live in. A generation ago,
a mouse, a monitor, an apple or windows stood for a rodent, a crocodile, a fruit or
Tan opening in the wall.
Today’s four-year-olds know it’s much more than that.

And today’s thirteen year-olds have already integrated computer science into their school
curriculum.
In the last couple of years, almost all the players in the IT education field have announced
tie-ups with schools across the country.
What kind of courses are they offering and how useful are these courses in the real world?
Says Asha Devi, Director, FutureSchools, a Chennai-based IT education institute, “Our
courses are a blend of computer basics for the IT novice, which later move on to advanced
concepts and software, so as to help students discover their strengths in the IT field and
decide their career choices.’’
In its programme for school children, FutureSchools offers integrated theme-based projects
which focus on primary technology and ongoing technology. It has tied up with 33 schools
all over the country.
Suresh Kumar, Director, IT Kids, another Chennai-based institute, feels a child should not
experience any stress while learning technology and the courses that IT Kids offers aim
toward that. “Our courses are specially designed to integrate information technology
with academics and value education. Therefore, our courses are unique from others offered
as adult curriculum.’’

At IT Kids, which has tied up with 60 schools across the country, the children are taught
both programming languages and application tools. In fact, last year, the institute initiated
the ‘School of Tomorrow’ programme where apart from introducing the children to basic
computer lessons, IT will be integrated into their curriculum.
The programme will provide class-appropriate content and application-led modules which
are project-oriented. On the technology side, the programme deals with subjects such as
operating environment, word processing, graphics, spread sheets, databases, multimedia
and animation and programming languages.
The content is boosted with each class level and is integrated with the school syllabi.
On the academic side, the subjects covered include Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Social
Sciences and languages. At each class level, the students will be trained to integrate computer
skills learnt with lessons in other subjects through sample exercises.

FutureSchools believes in integrating its services in four areas of a child’s development:
courses for the teachers, students, parents and school managements.
And for the child there are four options: Technology Programmes, Academic Programmes,
Enrichment Programmes and GATE (Gifted and Talented Child Education) Programme.
In addition to this, FutureSchools has tied up with Cambridge International Examinations
which is a department of the Cambridge University to offer technology training and
Contd...

LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY 205