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Educational software and your children
So, you bought a computer for the kids, did ya? Probably wanted to help 'em get better grades, become young geniuses and eventually win the Nobel prize for physics.
And then, they'd go on to fourth grade, right?
So, why does your son, a brilliant young lad, and your daughter, a tower of grade-school intellect, like to play SuperHyperKinetic Street Warrior VII so much more than Mr. Bunny's Math Adventure?
Hmmm. Well, you might ask them. But educators and software experts will probably save you some time:
"The challenge you run into, of course, is that they think the games are more fun," said elementary school teacher Dawn Bonacci. "Obviously, the key is making the learning as fun as the games."
Easier said than done, but entirely possible, educators agree.
"Children love technology," said Marian Peirsall, curriculum coordinator for technology in Abilene, Texas. "Computer software was originally written by people who didn't have a very good idea, in my opinion, what children wanted or needed to learn.
"Times have changed, and there is a lot of wonderful software out there, as opposed to only a handful."
One thing you need to realize quickly: A piece of software can help enhance your child's learning skills, but it isn't a replacement for classroom instruction.
"The focus should always be on how the software enhances learning," said Lucy Hatch, assistant professor of education at Abilene Christian University. "Computers can be very motivational, but you shouldn't use the technology just for its own sake."
In other words, just because it's on a computer doesn't mean your young charge is particularly learning anything.
If learning is your goal, then you need to be a bit choosier about the software you buy.
"Educationally speaking, kids are turned on to technology," Peirsall said. "Lots of companies are willing to sell you 'educational' software, but it's up to do to determine what is best for your child."
And that means doing a bit of homework yourself.
Scanning children's software, you are bound to come across some names you recognize.
From Scholastic to Fisher Price, familiar companies have jumped into the kidsoft fray with both feet.
If you are familiar with their other products, then you can have at least a general idea of what you might get from them software-wise, Hatch said.
"There are some companies that I as an educator trust very much, and there are others that I wouldn't touch," she said. "You can't go by name recognition completely, but it does help in many cases."
These days, many companies offer either sampler packages for popular software, or demonstration modules that can download from their Internet sites.
"Those are good tools for parents because they allow the children to try the software out before buying the whole package," she said. "That way, you can tell whether they like it, see it in action, and decide whether there is any genuine educational benefit from it."
If you can't get a sample version of the program, carefully check the grade level the software is designed for -- but keep in mind that it is only a guideline.
"Individual children think and react differently when it comes to certain pieces of software," Peisall said. "What is very easy for one child may be difficult and frustrating for another. And it's important to let the children be the judge as to whether or not they like it."
Look for information letting you know if the program allows you to track your child's progress or set boundaries so that specific areas of difficulty can be drilled.
"Children learn quickly when it comes to computer software, and that includes learning how to avoid things they think are boring or too difficult," she said. "If you have the ability to adjust the program and track their progress in a certain area, then that is better."
Of course, the above advice is strictly for you to help measure the educational value of certain software. With the exception of watching them play with sample software, none guarantee your kids will like the program.
And even samples may not tell the whole story, since they aren't the whole program.
Fortunately, much children's software is available for a reasonable price, so even if your little genius doesn't like one subject or company's approach, you can try another fairly inexpensively.
It may take a few tries to find the right mix of learning and fun, and though there are numerous publications available online and in standard print format that review software for children, a four-star rating doesn't guarantee a hit at home.
"That's one of the biggest fears parents come in with: That they're going to spend X dollars on software, take it home and their kids will hate it," said David Kasimirs, sofware expert at Hastings. "We get that worry all the time."
But once you find the mix that's right, the results can be quite measurable.
"We had a fourth-grader a few years back who was using one of the old Apple IIe computers to learn his multiplication tables," Peirsall said. "He could have spent that time drilling with flash cards, but he thought the computer was much more fun. Well, he used the program, started passing his tests and had fun in the process."
The worst thing you can do is use a computer as a baby sitter, with the hope that some "educational" software will help pass the time, Bonacci said.
"If you use the software to help supplement what they learn in school, then you can help them immensely," she said. "But if they don't like it, then chances are they'll find something else to do unless you force them to use it."
As in any childhood activity, keeping a steady, parental hand involved is the best method to make sure your child is benefiting from a certain piece of software.
"If you can, talk to your child's teacher before you buy software," Peirsall said. "Not only can she give you an idea about what they may need to work on, she may be able to offer some insight into the program that you're planning to buy."
Just like anything else kids like, the best software tends to be colorful, engaging and fun. The educational value, ideally, should be there and ever-present, but below the surface.
"If it's not something that holds their interest, then obviously they won't get much benefit out of it," Hatch said. "But if it does, then you have a potentially powerful tool for learning. Be prepared to work with them, but if they like it and they're really learning, that's what matters."
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It simply amazes me what my 3 and 5 year old can do with their computer. It truly does enhance learning tremendously!
Congratulations on TLC's recent move!
Best, Michael |
