Children's Computer Interest

[turnerhouse]

Hello everyone!

I am sending this message in regards to Felicia Coffee's request for
subjects to use in computer courses for children.  I run an after-School
Program for children ages 6 to 12 years old.  We do some informal computer
training, but are more focused on homework and reading help.  (Our
computers are not the most up to date.)  I did an informal survey of a few
of my participants who are about the right age. I appologize that there are
no girls represented, the survey was voluntary.  Here is what they said:

TiYuan, age 7, told me to tell you to make sure the teacher knows how to
take care of their students and has good manners.  He said he would like to
learn how to play more games on the computer, especially finding new ones
on the internet.  He told me that he also would like to learn how to type
(keyboarding).  He is interested in learning about dinosaurs, animals, how
to fix clocks (how things work), and his future.

Brandon, age 9, was also very interested in learning how to play games on
the computer and how to find new ones on the internet.  He wants to find
out more about the X-Men, and Spiderman.  He would like to practice and
learn his times tables and division on the computer.

Derrick, age 10, said he just wants to learn more about computers in
general.  He is especially interested in learning how to use email, and
finding more games on the internet.

<p>I think that younger children (Kindergarden and up) could also benefit from
a computer learning center.  The focus for them could be on using the
mouse, and other activities not dependent on literacy skills.  Although, at
that age, they are also very excited about writing things down- you could
do basic word processing work with them.  A project where they write their
name in different fonts and different sizes would be a hit for them.

What I have found with my participants is that no activity should last more
than a half an hour.  You can get them to learn more if you vary the
activities within that time period.  Being allowed to play a game could be
a reward for staying focused. Also lessons that incorporate subjects they
enjoy work well.  (such as doing internet research on favorite cartoon
characters, etc.)

I hope that this helps you with your project. And good luck!


--
Katherine Patterson-Paronto
Turner House,Inc. and Episcopal Social Services
After-School and Summer Programs
2052 N. 3rd St
Kansas City KS 66101
(913) 371-5065

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YouthLearn ( http://www.youthlearn.org ) brings together youth
professionals to share information on using technology to create
exciting learning environments. YouthLearn was created by the
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at Education Development Center ( http://www.edc.org ). We hope
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