Abstract:

The main focus of this paper is the process of implementation and using the ToolKid software in the primary school in Macedonia, as a part of crucial USAID ICT projects in Macedonia in the last decade. The ToolKid software was recreated, expanded and adapted in Macedonian and Albanian language, relevant curricula was developed and the software was installed in primary schools. Six manuals were written for the training purposes and practical using of the ToolKid software package, supplemented by tables which briefly describes the expected use the particular ToolKid programs in different topics of school subjects, in compliance with the national curricula.

The software programs included in package are classified in 7 main groups: Educational games, Text Programs, Sound Programs, Multimedia Programs, Animation and Video, Drawing Programs, Algorithms and Programming. The resources created with one program, like backgrounds, animations, images, sounds could be used in other in native and easy way by children. It is important and creative for them when they are going to work on different project topics.

The ToolKid educational software could be useful in all subjects of K-4 education: mather tongue, mathematics, nature and society, society, art education and music education. It organization is such that enable students to acquire firm informatics literacy and culture. The primary education is the right place where the students need to obtain basic informatics knowledge. The curriculum needs to follow the informatics knowledge trends and to be redesigned in compliance with them.

The process of training for using the ToolKid software, and for programming and adjustment of the ToolKid platform regarding teachers’ and students’ needs was attended by all K4 primary school teachers in Macedonia and by the Bureau for Development of Education advisors, which is responsible institution for lower primary education.

The next part of the paper is dealing with information about monitoring and evaluation of the use of ToolKid software, feedback by users and forms of sharing experience among teachers. This part include results of two surveys about ToolKid implementation made by the author. In the first survey, two different groups were examined: an experimental group which interacted with ToolKid software and a control group which used a textbook for instruction. The research was conducted in several primary schools. It was the intent of the author to find out if a ToolKid software might improve learning outcomes when compared to a static, textbook-based format. The second survay offers answers of the following question: Whether and how ToolKid software could enhance the instruction?

What are the main feedbacks of using ToolKid in our education during almost ten years of implementation? First of all, it is worthy to stress the outstanding interest and enthusiasm of the students to use computers and ToolKid software in their daily teaching and learning. Moreover, the majority of the trained teachers are highly motivated to use these new technologies and ready for further professional development. Nevertheless, there is a need for continual professional and technical support for teachers, as well as, organized continuous education and development.

Keywords:

ToolKid software, education.