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A 5-Step Plan
for Raising a Computer Savvy Kid
The
evidence is clear. Kids who develop personal computer
skills over the next few years will have a critical edge
as they enter the job market, while the techno-laggards
could be left far behind. Richard Riley, U.S. Secretary
of Education, has stated that an understanding of
computers must be added to reading, writing and math as a
new fundamental skill for school children.
We know
from our shows across the country there is a wide
disparity among kids, as to their knowledge of computers
and the Internet. Some are clueless, while others not
only know their way around a computer, they're developing
their own web pages and communicating on the Internet.
Luckily,
there are measures parents can take today to help their
child stay ahead in the information age. Consider the
five-step plan below for starters.
1. Make
Sure YOU'RE PC Savvy -- How can you teach a child
to ride a bike if you've never ridden? Don't hold back
because you feel like a PC dummy compared to your kids.
Children learn by watching mom and dad and by tuning in
on their attitude toward computing. You don't have to
become an expert to be a positive computing role model.
Consider taking a beginner's computer class at your local
high school or pick up a computer book for novices. Good
basic primers include the "Dummies" series from
IDG Books Worldwide, Inc., or The Whole PC Family
Encyclopedia from PC Press.
2. Get
Your Child Computing -- It's like driving
a car. Nothing can substitute for regular hands-on
experience as the best way to make kids comfortable and
competent with computers. If you can't afford a home PC,
check with your local library or schools. They may have
computers available for public use. The idea is to put
your child before a personal computer several times a
week.
(Tip: If
you're shopping for a home PC try to get the fastest
"brain" chip, greatest amount of memory (RAM),
and the largest capacity hard disk your budget can
swing).
3. Build a
Beginner's Software Library -- a good encyclopedia
CD-ROM, a word processor designed for kids and a general
purpose art program will encourage kids to use a computer
to do school reports and projects. Doing homework on a PC
will introduce your child to basic PC skills, such as
creating, saving and managing files.
4. Get
Connected to the Internet -- U.S. Labor Secretary
Robert Reich has noted that all advanced economies favor
workers with computer and Internet skills. If you're a
cyberspace "tenderfoot," consider subscribing
to one of the major on-line subscription services, such
as America Online. They're easy to install and offer a
fast way to start surfing -- today.
5. Teach
Your Kids to Touch Type -- Don't laugh. Kids who
know how to touch type will be able to run their PCs and
write with ease and speed, and be more inclined to use a
computer. Use one of the PC typing programs aimed at the
younger set like Mindscape's Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing*
or Interplay's Mario Teaches Typing.*
The above
review is provided for your convenience and is not an
endorsement of any products or services by Intel
Corporation or Father's World.
If you have other
suggestions for guiding children in Cyberspace we'd like
to hear from you. You can reach the PC Dads by writing TheDads@aol.com.
Mark
Ivey and Ralph Bond, the PC Dads(SM), are Technology
Education Managers at Intel Corp. You can read more about
PC Dads(SM) and their adventures on their website at Intel's PC
Dads(sm) Program. They help families get
all they can from their home PCs. email: TheDads@aol.com.
PCDads is
reproduced by permission of Intel Corporation, © 1998 Intel
Corporation
*
Third-party marks and brands are the property of their
respective owners.
Suggestions?
Feedback? We'd love to hear from you.
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