LEWISTON – Lewiston-Auburn College student Sam Hill of Auburn recently completed an internship at Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care.

In his last year of double majoring in leadership and organizational studies and social and behavioral sciences, Hill researched the effects of computers in preschool classrooms.

Through a donation from the University of Southern Maine and Lewiston-Auburn College, Hill created a six-station computer lab at Androscoggin Head Start’s Coburn Building, as well as having additional computers donated to other Head Start classrooms in Lewiston and Auburn. From July to August, Hill worked with children, ages 3 to 5, in Head Start’s full day preschool classrooms.

Beginning with reading and math assessments and screening for letter and number comprehension, Hill assigned each child developmentally appropriate software and charted their progress.

Hill found that many of the problems with using computers in the classroom had more to do with technical issues than the children’s ability to understand the software.

To stop wandering eyes, Hill used headphones on half the children in the classroom. Since they could not hear what was occurring at the computer next to them, they were only interested in their own software.

“By solving the technical and logistical issues early on, the teacher will be able to focus on the learning,” said Hill. Still compiling his data, Hill said he sees good outcomes.

Hill said, “The Maine Learning Technology Initiative currently works with seventh- to 12th-graders. There is not much funding for preschools to acquire computers. Children at this age should have computers in their classroom. Companies that are upgrading their computers systems could help preschools to have computers in their classrooms by donating their older models.

“Lewiston-Auburn College donated old computers to Androscoggin Head Start, and we were able to introduce computers to these children. As long as the computer can run an educational game, then it can be used by a child. I am very anxious to continue working on this idea.”

Androscoggin Head Start and Child Care has provided child development services to pregnant women, families and children, newborn to age 5, for more than 41 years. Centers are located in Lewiston, Auburn, Lisbon Falls, Livermore Falls, Mechanic Falls and Turner.

Applications for all Head Start programs are accepted at any time. Most programs are free to eligible children. Call 795-4040 for more information or visit www.androkids.com.