Children & Computers & the Internet

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  • June 8, 2010 at 3:04 am
    missceegee
    Participant

    I’m wondering about computer skills & internet usage for kids. What software, websites do you like and for what ages?

    My dd is 9 and we’ve recently given her email (for use with family & 1 out of state friend) and she mainly plays around with photo booth and pages. She has access to enature.com and that’s it. We have a typing program a math fact practice game (used rarely) and she uses Teaching Textbooks, but that’s it. She hasn’t asked for more, but I’m trying to think ahead. I have checked out many “recommended” websites for kids and I’ve seen nothing valuable and many potentially harmful links, etc. 

    I know that I need to slowly train her in these things, but right now I don’t see anything that is really beneficial. Are there great sites that I don’t know about or software I’m missing?

    Thanks for your help.

    Blessings,

    Christie

    June 8, 2010 at 3:27 am
    suzukimom
    Participant

    There is really no rush for the computer, especially the internet, for kids.  Occasonal use of the internet to research something – with you there to watch for jumps to a bad site…  that is about it.

    For software, the use of a Paint type program, a Word Processor, a Spread Sheet, a Presentation Program can all be useful to learn how to use.   If a child is interested in learning how to program, there is stuff available too.  

    I don’t think it hurts to have a few games on the computer – I’d tend to avoid anything on the net though.  These are old, but stuff like “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiago” and “Oregon Trail” are fantastic – but it would be hard to find good stuff like that I think.  

    The reason I think some computer games can be ok – I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s, and was introduced to computers very early.  (My dad taught computer programming at the University when I was in Kindergarten, and I went and played the (text only back then!) games.  He later owned the first computer store in the city.  I played a lot of these (almost all text only) games.   I taught myself to program at about the age 9 or 10 – and grew up to be a Software Developer, until I became a full-time mom.  

    But you do have to watch the computer games of today…. a lot are basically video games without a lot of redeeming qualities….  

    June 8, 2010 at 7:14 am
    Mum In Zion
    Participant

    Has anyone used KidZui?  I was told about it recently by a friend but haven’t checked it out.  It is suppose to be a safe way for kids to surf the internet and play online games without going to inappropriate sites by accident.

    I would be interested in any comments.

    Blessings,

    Michelle

    June 8, 2010 at 4:45 pm
    LindseyD
    Participant

    Christie,

    I have had this same question in my mind for a while now, and my kids are only 6 and 4. I’ve investigated and explored “kid-friendly” sites, and most of what I’ve found is twaddle. These sites have been full of games and links to toys advertised and things that I know would beckon my kids to click on. We don’t allow ours on the computer at all. And we probably won’t until there is a genuine need for computer skills, supervised research, etc. I think your daughter having e-mail is a great idea, and I know you’ll give her the proper supervision. I think it’s also a great way for your daughter to have accountability to herself and to you. I don’t know that there is a “magical” computer age, but I know for us, it’s not necessary right now or any time in the near future. I don’t need any kid sites to help in our learning at this point. Hope that helps!

    Lindsey 

    June 8, 2010 at 7:49 pm
    missceegee
    Participant

    Thanks, everyone.

    I agree, every kid site I visited was ALL twaddle & ADS & CLICK HERE for ???? All of the sites I went to were overwhelming visually and very frenetic and did not look like a good use of time. However, I’m just thinking over the next few years I will want to loosen the reins bit by bit to help her learn to navigate the world wide web before she’s out there on her own. Also, while “the allure of the fun world stuff” isn’t a problem at all right now, we do live in the world and I don’t want to seem as if we’re always against the “fun” stuff and thereby make it more alluring.

    We don’t do any kind of video games, but I remember Oregon Trail from when I was a kid. I loved that! I would like to have a few things like that on hand just for periodic fun play. Are there similar “games” available today for a Mac? I know Doug recommended some old software, but I don’t have that or a machine to play it on. 

    Thanks for confirming my thoughts about the internet, too.

    Blessings,

    Christie

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