Michael Guggenheim uses his blog for education – as a teacher to document his nonprofit organization and his extracurricular activities teaching even younger students how to use a computer.

S.P.L.A.T. Inc. (Showing People Learning And Technology) was set up by Guggenheim to help him tutor youngsters at homeless shelters, low income housing projects, and community centers. Whatever funds he raises goes to the distribution of used computers, monitors, printers, and donated software. He himself teaches basic computer skills and also shows the younger children how to use computer learning games.

Guggenheim got interested in computers because he discovered that his dysgraphia, a learning disorder that impairs his writing, wasn’t affected when using a computer instead of handwriting his school notes.

He started his nonprofit after participating in school-sponsored volunteer work and observing that some children had little or no access to technology. According to the an article in the Los Angeles Times:

“Many disadvantaged kids and teenagers don’t have the opportunities and access to learning and using computer skills,” Michael said. “The tool that changed my life was a laptop, and it’s a skill that’s necessary to learn to get good grades and a good job so you aren’t left behind.”

He isn’t blogging about tutoring or using the blog as a classroom or teaching tool. Instead, he has a novel blogging purpose – to let donors and funders know how he is using their money. SPLAT is a non-profit with an EIN (IRS) tax exempt status and donations are welcome.

Developmental dysgraphia is a neurological condition which affects fine motor skills. Writing becomes distorted but other social skills aren’t affected. While a typewriter or word processor won’t improve the motor skills, they do allow students to keep up with their written work. Guggenheim, however, may be onto something using computer games. Games which involve hand-eye coordination, or mousing or trackball games, might help as part of regular therapy.

According to the US Department of Education Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), there are more than 6.5 million children with disabilities entering or currently within the educational system.