Keep in mind that children are supposed to develop abstract thinking between the age of 10-14. This does not mean they're allready good at it!
Some people here stated is was racism to point out that these are kids from the "inner city". This is not true. You have to know the background of the children before you can decide what to do. Most parents in lower social classes have less time to help their children understand certain things, so you must do it in their place.
I think most of these children have never worked on a computer before and have not developed abstract thinking far enough. Computer languages (even logo) and spreadsheets, databases are therefore not what you want to teach. The beginning, where you must start, is learn them how to use a mouse and how to type. There are several fun programs for these tasks available.
If they can do that, you can start to use the internet and learn them to use a search engine and a webmail program. (Since they most likely will not have a computer at home, pop3 mail is useless.) However, focus on the things kids are interested in. Could be www.waltdisney.com or anything. The content is not the most important at this level, learning how to get there is what counts! (But be sure to bring enough ideas to keep them busy.)
If you have done all that, I guess the camp will be nearly finished.
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Keep in mind that children are supposed to develop abstract thinking between the age of 10-14. This does not mean they're allready good at it!
Some people here stated is was racism to point out that these are kids from the "inner city". This is not true. You have to know the background of the children before you can decide what to do. Most parents in lower social classes have less time to help their children understand certain things, so you must do it in their place.
I think most of these children have never worked on a computer before and have not developed abstract thinking far enough. Computer languages (even logo) and spreadsheets, databases are therefore not what you want to teach. The beginning, where you must start, is learn them how to use a mouse and how to type. There are several fun programs for these tasks available.
If they can do that, you can start to use the internet and learn them to use a search engine and a webmail program. (Since they most likely will not have a computer at home, pop3 mail is useless.) However, focus on the things kids are interested in. Could be www.waltdisney.com or anything. The content is not the most important at this level, learning how to get there is what counts! (But be sure to bring enough ideas to keep them busy.)
If you have done all that, I guess the camp will be nearly finished.