Children, parents and computers: At the present time kids of the 21st century should know how to use the computer as soon as their coordination allows them to use the computer mouse or joystick. Now child's computer input devices and computer programs are so friendly, that 2-3 years old kids can use a computer easily. Correct usage of computers in child environment and teaching can accelerate essentially their mental and physical development. Wrong usage can bring to the front a restricted mentality and different kind of the health problems. If a boy or a girl has used the computer all the time for games, then his or her mindset would have been fixed only on the games, and it can be hard to change their mind later on. Therefore, the right attitude of parents and teachers in the solution of this problem, can give positive, sometimes overwhelming results. Any parents have the following opportunities for their children:
· give access to their (for adult) computer,
· give them their old (obsolete) computer (for adult),
· buy a cheap brand new or second hand computer for adult on discount market ,
· buy a special (for kids) computer , and equipment according to age of children.
The choice depends on the household income. If it is affordable for the family, for children the best way is to have special computers, special input devices, countered on size of the children's arms , and special software- games, teaching games and other teaching materials. Computers for kids must have a special design with safety of the sockets, power outlets, wires and all those machineries you have attached to the PC. Kids love any toys, which they chose. If you choose the computer together with your child or children, they will have more fun, and any teaching and gaming will be much better.
The special computers for kids: Now on the American market we can find a very few companies devoted their computer production especially for kids at home and schools. Digital Dimensions Inc. sells very interesting and modern computers for kids the on-line store. In this store you can buy the affordable prebuilt or custom built computers, software, equipment for kids of ages: 3-8, 8-13, and 13+.
Peripheral Equipment: In the process of customization of kid's computer you can choose the following items from computer peripheral equipment: flat panel monitor for child of any age, and input devices, that can be different for different ages. Usually, a printer, a modem or a scanner are not prime necessity's items. The choice depends on situation, ages and interests of children. Any computer for kids should allow playing music and drawing color graphics, because music and graphics create fun and maintain the kids’ interest. They may need also: special data storage devices, digital cameras, MIDI instruments, audio systems and so on Kids have smaller hands than adults, therefore computer mice for kids must be made usually in 50-70 % size of regular mice to be able to handle easily without straining their fingers reaching for the buttons. Plus, you can keep your existing mouse installed and have the Kid mouse in an additional port, so Mom or Dad can still use theirs. K idboard is a standard sized keyboard, but keys are color coded for learning recognition for first time typers. Great starter keyboard exists for ages 6-13. A bright, colorful keyboard is designed to aid learning location of the letters.
Computer gaming devices - game controllers are specialized input devices designed for gaming purposes, and used to play games, which cannot work well with keyboard controls, the mouse, or a combination of the two. The different kinds of game controllers such as flight yokes, joysticks, game pads, "virtual pedals" and so on , were invented to enhance the gaming
Choosing children's software. Choosing children's software is worth the time spent. Wrong software, wrong games can influence negatively on mentality of child. Therefore before to buy or install new software, you need to use either different kinds of reviews and Internet guides, or pay attention on opinion and experience of your friends. Best way is using web sites for children, where you can find software not only for kids, but for parents and teachers.
Anti-virus protection: As soon as your child starts on his own to input information in his computer by diskettes, CD or via Internet, his computer must have anti-virus protection.
The Internet offers kids many opportunities for learning, constructive entertainment, and personal growth. At the same time, because kids are often more computer savvy than their parents , they can easily sign up for a bad games, subscribe to a chat room service, have contact with hate-promoting or porno sites, or reveal personal information to strangers. Therefore, parents must be concerned about the risks when kids are faced with the Internet temptations. The challenge for parents is to educate themselves and their children about how to use the Internet safely. Two sites: GetNetWise and Safekids provide information to help families have safe and constructive access to the Web sites.
Kids safety systems: Many parents know about the risk for their children to face online information in appropriated to their age. The different kinds of the rating system allow to help parents to find movies, TV channels, and software are friendly and safely for kids. Parental controlutilities additionally help parents to protect their children from the unknown dangers of the Internet.
Health care: Keeping your kids safe is first of all demands tailoring the position of the monitor. Place this device about an arm's length away from the eyes with the top of the screen at eye level or below. Make sure to regulate your child's time on the computer and encourage breaks. The frequent rests can be helpful in reducing the likelihood of computer users diseases: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Computer Vision Syndrome, and others.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is
provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice
provided to you by any health care or other professional or
organization.
