Human Interaction & Picture Books vs. Waterford Upstart’s Preschool Phonics Online Video
Last Sunday, The New York Times described Waterford’s Upstart online program for preschoolers, describing it as better than nothing, or, as “closing a gap.” They described communities that could not (or would not) raise money for preschool, so, online instruction seemed like the default choice.
Who’s reviewing these programs?
Waterford Upstart is flawed. This can be determined by viewing one of the video samples that they chose to promote in The New York Time’s report. After reviewing this video, it would seem like a child would be better off without the program!
Waterford Upstart was created by the Utah legislature and has been funded by groups intent on privatizing public schools with technology. The Audacious Project through TED is helping to fund it.
There’s increasing distrust over how school district officials try to convince their communities they can’t find money for school programs including preschools, but, with the help of the state or federal government they can fund online programs CONTINUE READING: Human Interaction & Picture Books vs. Waterford Upstart’s Preschool Phonics Online Video
