DESCRIPTION
Many Educational Software Titles existing today target the American and European markets. In the quest to attract Trinbagonians and the wider Caribbean in a culturally familiar and holistic environment, JJ and Friends Phonics...Fast Forward is the perfect discovery.
JJ and Friends Phonics... Fast Forward targets students within the age group of three to eight years inclusive and focuses primarily in developing the reading abilities of these students. The Educational Software package incorporates a range of software tools such as instructional DVD's, curriculum relevant CD's, attractive animal alphabet charts, activity booklets and even story books.
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USES AND RELEVANCE TO CLASSROOMS
Perhaps the most important benefit of the JJ and Friends Phonics... Fast Forward scheme is its relevance to students in Trinidad and Tobago. Peer learning is strongly emphasised by children who have already benefited from the programme. This is important since it supports Vygotsky's sociocultural theory of development where children develop better in a fun environment with other children of their age group and ethnic background. Values and morals such as sharing and team work through scaffolding are also reinforced in many of the lessons and the characters used are role models for students since they display these positive values.
Alphabet and phonics are presented with large and colourful characters that students can identify with, for example A as in Agouti. Sounds, Vowels and Word Building are presented in a world of song and dance with soca and reggae beats that students are familiar with and love. JJ and Friends Phonics...Fast Forward fosters for multiple and distributed intelligences as Howard Gardner explained.
JJ and Friends Phonics...Fast Forward takes into account the constructivist approach. They solve problems and operate in a real world setting as Dewey explained for success to be achieved. The activities incorporate a combination of instructional games, simulation activities as well as problem solving skills to allow students to explore and gain a better understanding of the themes taught. As a result, students learn and remember key concepts effectively.
What also makes JJ and Friends Phonics... Fast Forward unique is the fact that there also exists a local television series with the same theme. The awareness of students is reinforced with the fact that characters become consistent in being positive role models for them. There is also an active Fan Club which further incorporates students' reading awareness and participation.
It is beyond the doubt that JJ and Friends Phonics... Fast Forward is a success as indicated by the many volunteered testimonies posted on the website it is truly an entertaining, attractive and relevant Educational Software that is presented in the sumptuous flavour of Caribbean Culture.
Most times we just have to settle for foreign softwares to teach our kids, but it is so refreshing that there is a software that even though it is foreign it is applicable to our culture.
ReplyDeleteFinally some culturally relevant educational software. I hope this is just the beginning of the trend.
ReplyDeleteThis software will be easily identifiable for our people here in the Caribbean. They will be able to relate to it easily.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting software since i totally believe that learning takes place through social interactions with a "more knowledgeable other".
ReplyDeleteExcellent, excellent. There is nothing more appropriate than the rich Caribbean melodies which accompany learning with this software. Even adults enjoy their children's learning processes with JJ and Friends.
ReplyDeleteI really like how you incorporated Trinidad, good job!!
ReplyDeletewow!....I have been interested in this software since it's inception. I now have a better insight to it's application. This software is very relevant to our culture.
ReplyDeleteIt is great that you showed how the software is relevant to the different theorists.
ReplyDeletei have seen one episode of JJ and Friends on television and i think its a great way of learning. imagine they were saying the sounds of each letter of the alphabet while saying the alphabet . I'm an adult and that's difficult. Trinidadian children will definitely be able to use this software because it is something they can relate to.
ReplyDeleteHave you registered for FREE on pennacool.com SEA Revision and Practice Tests online? There is an online vacation camp till Sept 2nd, 2011 with great prizes from Flavorite, Mario's and Blink Broadband... pennacool.com Revision Exercise work books are available in schools and bookstores... Ministry of Education approved... 11 Math topics and 12 Language Arts topics... call 637 3306 or email feedback@pennacool.com if it is not available in your area...
ReplyDeleteJJ and friends is very well designed for the overall development of our children. I do hope there are many similar programmes for other age groups. Well done JJ and Friends!!!
ReplyDelete