What Does Using Computers Actually Do for
Your Child?
What Computers and the Information Superhighway
CAN Do
They can help children learn skills using information
resources and technology such as problem-solving, fact-gathering,
analysis, and writing on computers-skills that employers will seek from
future workers (today's young people). They can also help young people
learn computer programming and other marketable skills.
They can open up new worlds of rich learning
experiences to children through schools, libraries, and home. For
example, children can work on a school project with other children in
countries thousands of miles away-or gather information from and try
out their ideas with renowned scientists, authors, or business leaders.
And "electronic pen pals"-either relatives or new online friends-from
opposite ends of the planet can e-mail* each other almost instantly.
They can increase access to children who have been shut out. Children
in poor or rural school districts can use online services to visit museums,
cities, and wildlife preserves they would not otherwise get to see.
Children with disabilities can participate more fully in learning, in
art programs, and in socializing.
They can increase access to children who have
been shut out. Children in poor or rural school districts can use
online services to visit museums, cities, and wildlife preserves they
would not otherwise get to see. Children with disabilities can participate
more fully in learning, in art programs, and in socializing.
What Computers and the Information Superhighway CAN'T Do
Computer and online time alone can't make your
child an honor student. Children learn best when they receive individualized
attention and encouragement from teachers and parents. Every kind of
technology-from the blackboard to slide presentations to cable TV in
the classroom to CD-ROMs-is simply a tool whose effectiveness
depends on using it well.
Computers alone won't make your child a well-rounded,
successful adult. Children still need the balance that comes from
outdoor activities, friends and family, solid academic skills, and healthy
relationships with strong adult role models.
What Computers and the Information Superhighway MIGHT Do
They can be a way for you to spend more time
with your child on educational and recreational activities. Research
shows that family involvement in a child's education is one of the most
important ingredients for success. Spending time online with your child
can be a way to connect with what he or she is learning in school and
to stay involved. Computers can also help you expose your child to information
and experiences that you value.
Online technologies can also be a way for you
to stay in touch with your child's teachers, school schedules, and homework
assignments. Increasingly, schools are offering parents access to
important school information via e-mail and online school discussion
groups. This can be especially helpful for parents whose work schedules
make it hard for them to meet with teachers or be at school during the
school day.
So, Why Should You Care About Computers and the Information Superhighway?
First, because information literacy skills
will increasingly be expected of young people. Young people fluent in
information resources will likely have advantages in the workplace.
Second, this new resource may hold special educational and other opportunities
for your child-as the online world can bring diverse experiences to
young people. And, finally, more and more children are taking the lead
to get online-and need strong parental guidance to use this new medium
as a rich opportunity for learning.
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