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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