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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. |
