Technology is a huge part of our lives, but it’s changing quickly, so figuring out how to teach kids computer basics can be a challenge. Do phones count as computers? What about voice-activated assistants? When should you sit down and teach a child how to use an actual PC?
Thanks to technology, your child is probably already familiar with computers. The changing nature of computers means that kids’ first introduction to computers isn’t a laptop or desktop anymore. If you’ve ever handed a young child your phone, or if your kid has ever asked Alexa to play a song, they’ve interacted with a computer.
But there’s real value in teaching kids how to use an old-school keyboard and mouse computer; they’re going to need to know how to use it for schoolwork and some activities (like taking a programming language class online) are easier on traditional computers.
So when should you introduce them to computers? And what are some important basic computer skills for kids?
WHEN SHOULD YOU INTRODUCE YOUR CHILD TO THE COMPUTER?
Every family will have a slightly different answer to this question, based on their lifestyle and relationship with technology.
Some babies will be familiar with computers because they will have seen their parents using them. Others won’t see a computer until they’re older. There are a couple of general guidelines, however. You’ll want to introduce computers to kids when:
- They’re old enough to at least understand what a computer is (children under three will only see light and noise)
- They’re, at most, old enough to start using computers in school
- You’re present, so you can supervise them
Specifically, this means computers can be introduced to your child between the ages of 3 and 6. You might want to start your child on educational programs, or on cooperative family games. Anything you do, however, should be introduced with you present. Young children should not be using a computer or learning online without supervision.
This course includes the following subtopics.
- What a Computer is and its full form.
- Amazing World of Computers.
- Features of Computers
- The COMPUTER FAMILY
- COMPUTERS and ME.
- PARTS OF A COMPUTER
- COMPUTER MANNERS