10 Tips To Buying Childrens Software Cathy Miranker and Alison Elliott authors of The Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids offer these 10 tips for buying childrens software.Cathy Miranker and Alison Elliott, authors of The Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids, offer these 10 tips for buying childrens software. In this articleBefore you go shoppingAt the storeAt homeBefore you go shopping: Know the exact capabilities of your computer system. Write down the details so you can compare them to specifications on software packages. Research software titles that match your childs interests, age, school needs and learning style. Use an independent resource likeThe Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids to get the kind of information you need to meet the needs of your individual kids. Select titles before you go shopping. Dont expect help at the store. Sales people know what software sells but they dont evaluate titles for educational quality or effectiveness. At the store: Buy two titles at a time, at most. Build your library carefully over time. Read the fine print on the package. Check your notes to make sure your computer meets the program requirements. Learn the stores return policy. Choose retailers that will let you return a CD-ROM if it does not live up to expectations held by you or your child. At home: Familiarize yourself with software before you show it to your children, and be around when they first use it to make sure they figure it out. Put away some programs for a month, once in a while. Your kids will approach software with a fresh perspective when you re-introduce it. Join your child at the computer. Your participation as her audience or partner is more important than any program.
10 Tips To Buying Children's Software Cathy Miranker and Alison Elliott authors of The Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids offer these 10 tips for buying children's software.
Cathy Miranker and Alison Elliott, authors of The Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids, offer these 10 tips for buying children's software.
Know the exact capabilities of your computer system. Write down the details so you can compare them to specifications on software packages.
Research software titles that match your child's interests, age, school needs and learning style. Use an independent resource likeThe Computer Museum Guide to the Best Software for Kids to get the kind of information you need to meet the needs of your individual kids.
Select titles before you go shopping. Don't expect help at the store. Sales people know what software sells but they don't evaluate titles for educational quality or effectiveness.
At the store:
Buy two titles at a time, at most. Build your library carefully over time.
Read the fine print on the package. Check your notes to make sure your computer meets the program requirements.
Learn the store's return policy. Choose retailers that will let you return a CD-ROM if it does not live up to expectations held by you or your child.
At home:
Familiarize yourself with software before you show it to your children, and be around when they first use it to make sure they figure it out.
Put away some programs for a month, once in a while. Your kids will approach software with a fresh perspective when you re-introduce it.
Join your child at the computer. Your participation as her audience or partner is more important than any program.
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When it comes to children's software, I have many botched attempts. Wish I had read this article earlier :) However, I did learn from my experiences with my older kid and when it comes to buying anything from my younger one, I am well aware. Great read altogether!
I agree with the most of the points. But, I am averse to using teaching aids and computers and gadgets when the child is very young. Most of the schools allocate computer hours and the basic and necessary things are taught in the school itself these days. I allow my kid to use computers and gadgets only during weekends & her school Orchids International teaches her the basic and required stuff during weekdays.
nowadays computer education are so cheap and quick that anyone can be "jack" within a month or two.Who says computer illeterate remains behind?you still find some of your fren near you without proper computer education but with good job position or good pay.I want my child earning Rs. 100 per day rather than clicking nonsense facebook,hi5,myspace,youtube ,debonair,Msnger, etc..
I dont agree that a child should rely on computer for education.Computers are just like everyother electronic device like mobile,or toys where children ruin most of the time either by playing or surfing or just clicking nuisance.Child with books on hand are more capable and efficient and sporty than computer worms...I 'll never let my child touch computer until he/she is over 15/16 yrs.
actually i don't think it's a myth that children need to learn basic computer skills. they're a part of school life now, and very important for their future jobs. we arn't going backwards on the timetable.