| CHILDREN AND COMPUTERS
Though computers and technology are an ever-increasing part of the world around us, many researchers, educators and parents feel the basic skills of critical thinking and problem- solving are the most valuable tools your child will need for an enriched life. If those basic skills are mastered, your children will be able to integrate technology into their lives whenever it becomes available to them.
Parents should make use of opportunities that are available to familiarize their children with the positive aspects of computers and technology. Computers, when used properly, are a tool that can enhance learning. They can help children:
- Manage and use information for many different purpose
- Improve problem-solving skills
- Improve study skills
- Link up to information and to people around the world
- Develop independence and self-reliance
However, depending on how they are used, computers can become advanced video game machines and their use needs to be monitored as closely as that of television.
Tips on Choosing Educational Computer Programs
Computer programs are expensive yet it is easy to purchase one only to have it sit on the shelf. Here are a few suggestions to help you in your choices.
- The fun aspect of the program is all-important. Children will not use a program they do not enjoy. Before buying a program, ask your children what they are interested in and check the program for its entertainment value.
- Ask the store if a demo is available (these sometimes sit in a drawer unadvertised) or if a demo disk can be purchased. Try to find someone in your community who hasthe program so that you can try it out. An attractive package does not guarantee an interesting program! Beware of drill and practice programs, these are rarely (if ever) interesting enough to hold your children's attention. Keepin mind that shareware is inexpensive but does not usually lead to long-term use (on the other hand, purchase of an expensive program is no guarantee of quality either!).
- When evaluating a program, ask yourself if it allows creativity - are there ways children can be challenged to use the program beyond those suggested by the manufacturer?
- Take the manufacturer's age recommendation with a grain of salt - rely more on your own judgement. Does the program allow for varying levels of difficulty?
- Several magazines with software reviews can be purchased. Examples are Family PC, Home PC, Kidsoft(1-800-354-6150) and HCE (Home Computing and Entertainment), National Geographic Educational Technology Division.
- Check to see what programs your school has. Educational versions of software often come with manuals of ideas for creative use of the software. These manuals are not copyrighted and you may be able to copy them for your own use at home.
- ASCD (Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 1250 North Pitt St., Alexandria VA 22314 Tel: 703-549-9110) publishes "Only the Best", a list of software.
Education Resources, Educational Software and Technology, a company in Ontario, carries a multitude of educational software titles. Call 1-800-565-5198 for a free catalogue.
- Educational software sites: http://www.mcp.com; http://www.sierra.com; http://www.7thlevel.com; http://technweb.cmp.com/hpc; http://www.adventure.com
- The internet newsgroup comp.kids.games quite frequently has email ads for software bundles.
There are over 20,000 educational computer programs for children on the market, though only a small fraction of those are readily available in Newfoundland and Labrador. It is risky to recommend programs since children are all operating at different levels and interests. However, here are a few that have been praised by other parents.
Ancient Empire (The Learning Company)
Encarta CD Rom Encyclopedia (Microsoft)
Gizmos and Gadgets (The Learning Co.)
I.M. Meen (Simon and Schuster)
Island of Dr. Brain, Castle of Dr. Brain, Lost Mind of Dr. Brain (Sierra)
Kid Pix Studio (Broderbund)
Math Blaster - The Lost City (Davidson)
Operation Neptune (The Learning Co.)
Sim City 2000 (Maxis)
The Incredible Machine and the Incredible Machine 2 (Sierra)
The Magic School Bus- Human Body; Ocean (Microsoft)
The Way Things Work (D.K. Multimedia)
Thinking Things Collection II (Edmark)
Where in the World is Carmen San Diego? (Broderbund)
The Computers for Schools Program coordinates the donation of surplus but serviceable equipment and materials to elementary and secondary schools across Canada. A national allocation system has been established to foster an equitable and efficient distribution of computers and software. If you have equipment to donate, why not contact them for a list of schools with needs. If you are a parent, please let your school know of this initiative. For more information contact: Computers for Schools, Industry Canada, Room 685E, West Tower, 235 Queen Street, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0H5 Tel: 1-800-268-6608 Fax 613-957-1201.
(Taken from the "Parent Resource Binder: The Essential Link", published by the Newfoundland and Labrador Home and School Federation). Previous menu
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