Children and Computers

Overview

Computers, once the property of relatively few, are now common in many homes. It is only natural that as parents we want to provide the best opportunities we can for our children.

The problem for many of us is that computers were not part of our childhood and we are not quite sure how to use them in the best possible way to help our children.

Modules

UNIT ONE: INTRODUCTION

• Why Computers?
• Computers in the Home
• Computers in Education
• Which Computer?
• The Unknown Future
• New Knowledge and Skills

UNIT TWO: AGES ONE TO TWO

• In the Comfort of your Home
• The Adult Experience
• Computers through a Child's Eyes
• All those Buttons Computers are
• Child's Play
• Laying down the Foundations
• Demystifying the Disk
• Software for Beginners
• Keeping your Sanity
• Working with Electricity
• Safety First
• Making the Rules

UNIT THREE: AGES TWO TO THREE

• The Importance of Play
• Toddlers Typing
• Mental Development and Language Skills
• Cause and Effect
• Moving from Trial and Error to Deliberate Actions
• Menus and Palettes
• Software
• Using Printers
• Types of Printers
• Choosing a Printer
• Playing on the Computer

UNIT FOUR: AGES THREE TO FOUR

• Consolidating Cause and Effect
• The Importance of Causality
• Turning off the Computer
• The Role of Imitation
• Cross-Platform Experiences
• Making their Mark
• Software

UNIT FIVE: AGES FOUR TO FIVE

• Logic at Last
• Understanding Symbols
• The Formation of Concepts
• Predicting Responses on Computers
• A Personal View of the World
• Matching Software to the Child's View
• Developing Memory and Recall
• Concept Development
• Help from Friends
• The Need for Explanations
• The Expanding Universe
• Changing Technology
• Mastering the Computer World
• Greater Complexity and Competency
• Language Development and Computers
• The Real and Imagined World
• Imagination and Computers
• Different Worlds

UNIT SIX: AGES FIVE TO EIGHT

• School and Home Computer Use
• In the Future
• Increased Attention and Increased Complexity
• Provide Alternatives
• Explanations
• Avoid Anxiety
• Talking when they Work
• When Play Becomes Work
• Going it Alone

UNIT SEVEN: READING, WRITING AND MATHEMATICS

• Beware the Software
• Integrated Software for Writing
• Word Processing Software
• Little Publishers
• Collaborative Writing
• Editing, Design and Importing Graphics
• Photo CD-ROMS
• Communicating
• Reading
• Graphics, Sound and Text
• Computer Books and CD-ROMs
• Mathematics, Space, Measurement and Numbers
• Drill and Practice Programs
• Alternatives to the Electronic Textbook

UNIT EIGHT: GAMES

• Parents' Concerns
• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Gender Issues
• Violence
• Sporting Games
• Simulations
• Integrated Games
• Attributes of Good Games
• Copy Protection

UNIT NINE: YOUR ROLE

• Modelling How to Learn
• Modelling and Developing Positive Attitudes
• Service and Support

UNIT TEN: DO-IT-YOURSELF SOFTWARE

• Use Your Imagination and Theirs
• Create Your Own Computer Books

Requirements

There is no experience or previous qualifications required for enrolment on this course. It is available to all students, of all academic backgrounds.