We
the producers of Shelly the Snail support your
effort to introduce a sense of wonder, exploration
and confidence in information technology to young
learners. Following are tips for effective computer
learning
| • |
Create
a relaxed, supportive environment.
While it is important to establish early guidelines
for basic treatment of computer equipment
(no banging on keyboard, no toppling of CPU,
etc.), reinforce that there is no “right
way or wrong way” to explore software
activities. |
| • |
Children
should be encouraged to use the computer,
but never forced. By allowing
children to be self-directed, you enable personal
motivation, as opposed to a sense of duty.
|
| • |
Expect
that initially children will want to use the
computer more than time allows.
Plan extra time during the “novelty
effect” phase of computer use. |
| • |
Allow
children to work at their own pace.
Each child will proceed through learning activities
at an individual pace. Pressuring a child
to maintain tempo with others will lend stress
to the experience and thwart educational objectives. |
| • |
Allow
children to make their own choices during
activities. Children, especially
early learners, will delight in exploring
software, clicking on the “wrong”
answer to hear the sound response, exploring
alternative routes, etc. This developmental
play reinforces cause and effect and confidence
in personal choices. Remember, it is often
the process of learning that is more important
than clicking on the “right answer.” |
| • |
Protect
children from Internet predators and objectionable
content. Computers are an
essential part of life in today’s information
age. But as in an environment children are
vulnerable. Use the parental controls offered
by your Internet Service Provider (ISP). There
are also a number of quality content filtering
technologies that will offer another level
of protection from objectionable content.
|
|
