Computer literacy program looking for volunteers
Program directors are asking for volunteers from Utah State University to help teach students how to become more technologically savvy.
A computer-assisted literacy program for non-English speakers began at Logan High School last week.
The program’s focus is to help non-English speaking high school students become comfortable using computers and show them how technology can be used to improve their language skills in both English and their native languages.
The USU extension office developed the program as part of a goal to help improve the education of Hispanic families in the community.
A program is needed because the majority of Hispanic families come from difficult circumstances when they arrive in Cache Valley and often lack proper education, said Hector Mendiola, a USU extension employee.
Mendiola said many Hispanic community members haven’t been taught to read or write correctly in their native language which makes it more difficult for them to learn English.
The course was originally aimed at the fathers of Hispanic families, but this is the first time it will be taught to high school students.
The goal is for students to take what they learn in the classroom to the home and share knowledge with parents and siblings, since other family members might not have the same opportunities to learn about and use computer technology, Mendiola said.
Another positive result of the program is it often motivates students to save their money and buy a computer, which becomes and invaluable tool in their education.
Mendiola said with the growth of technology, computers in the home become like an extension of the school because parents can use them to check grades, get homework assignments for their children or communicate with teachers via e-mail.