KIDS FROM KA-NA-TA And Educators

Teachers and school boards offer high praise for the KIDS FROM KA-NA-TA project. This is a unique telecommunications project that is meaningful, affordable, deeply relevant to all Canadians, works with any type of Canadian Studies curriculum and which develops a variety of essential skills in students. Here are some comments from KA-NA-TA Teachers:

Elizabeth Henderson, a teacher of grade 8/9 Native students in Nova Scotia, writes:

The project KIDS FROM KA-NA-TA has tremendous possibilities for exchange of ideas between students of various backgrounds in Canada. The chat line was very popular as the students were able to communicate on line with students from all over. They were exchanging information with students from Big Cove, New Brunswick and Toronto and other areas. This was a lot of fun for them.

Robert Francis, a teacher of Grade 6 Native students in New Brunswick, writes:

I am very happy to be a member of the (KA-NA-TA) triads. Not only will the students learn valuable computer skills which can only have beneficial consequences for them, but also they will be given an opportunity to get to know other students from different parts of the country. Hopefully this might result in forming friendships that last a lifetime. Not only will the students learn about different cultures, they will have a chance to showcase their culture as well.

Denise Beaulieu, computer specialist at Big Cove School Band School, NB, writes:

For the past couple of months since we had 2 classes join the KA-NA-TA project, I have seen some great communication skills develop in the students. In the computer lab where I see them the most they are always wanting to log on to the FirstClass software so they can see if there is anyone to chat to. Many of them have sat at the computer chatting for well over an hour and as some of the other schools could tell you the typing speed here has definitely become quickened.

Due to the fact that the students were enjoying it so much, they of course told their friends about it. Now the project is being enjoyed for most of the classes from Grades 5-8 and I have even been asked by the Grade 3 & 4 ës if they could chat! The KA-NA-TA project has been a great tool for me in beginning to introduce the Internet to the students at Big Cove school and they have certainly learned a lot about the rest of our great nation.

Adults are changed by the program also, as noted by teacher Lois Wakeman in Saskatoon, SK:

Professionally, it was one of the most challenging & exciting things I've ever done! I hope the kids got as much out of it. I'm much more aware of the "Indian situation" in Canada, and read everything I find in the newspaper on it. (Before I read little or nothing). A terrific project! please keep it going and keep us posted!