Teaching children to use computers can prepare them for the many technological innovations that are now an integral part of today's society. In addition to entertaining them, PCs can be a good source for completing tasks such as school projects or research essays. Just like you would a person who has never sat in front of a computer before, you should start teaching the basics, such as the use of a mouse and keyboard, and instill a general awareness so that they understand how to behave. Read on to learn more about ways to start imparting technology skills to little ones.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Teaching Preparation
Step 1. The children you will be teaching computer use should be at least three years old
Those of this age, or older, are more likely to grasp and understand basic computer concepts, while younger children struggle with this type of learning, especially as they are still developing visual and related comprehension and language skills.
Step 2. On the computer, install child-friendly input devices
For PCs to understand computing more effectively, they should have mice and keyboards that they can use and understand well.
- Choose a mouse that fits comfortably in a child's hands. If he is not physically able to grab or handle a mouse, he will hardly have the opportunity to navigate the computer menus or perform basic tasks.
- Choose a keyboard that contains fewer keys, larger than normal ones, especially if you will be teaching very young children. Some keyboards have colors to enhance the learning experience.
- Go to a computer store or browse the internet to find out more about the ideal features of mice and keyboards developed for children.
Step 3. Choose learning software or games suitable for the age group of the children
In most cases, you should opt for engaging and fun educational programs or tools that significantly enhance this learning experience and desire to learn.
Visit the site called “Teach Kids How”: it can be found in the Sources and Citations section. You will access a list of web pages offering learning tools suitable for various age groups. You can use them to teach children, especially if you want them to become familiar with English as well. If you are looking for an Italian site, try this one
Method 2 of 2: Helping Children Familiarize With Computers
Step 1. Teach the basics of computer etiquette and the ways to take care of computers
For example, it explains some basic rules, such as always keeping food and drinks away from the PC, gently handling keyboards, mice and other accessories, without hitting them, pulling wires and so on.
Always monitor children's computer use to make sure they handle and treat it safely and with respect. This allows you to prevent accidents that could permanently damage them, such as throwing a laptop on the ground, or destroying your PC or keyboard with food or drink
Step 2. Show the children how to grab and use the mouse
Since most computers are driven with this tool, while keyboard commands are used less, teaching children how to use the mouse is one of the most important steps in becoming more familiar.
If necessary, change the mouse settings to have a slower speed. A slower mouse can help children become familiar with the use process, especially if you are teaching toddlers or children who are still developing fine motor skills
Step 3. Teach children to type on the keyboard
They should learn how to properly position their hands on the keyboard to type, in fact you don't have to let them use just a couple of fingers to do it.
Use typing software that teaches children the correct position of their hands and fingers on the keyboard; it should contain a series of lessons that progress in relation to improving skills
Step 4. Teach children to use the internet to research and improve schoolwork
The web can be a resourceful tool for completing school projects, and is an ideal means for children to strengthen their computer skills.
- It teaches you to enter specific keywords and questions in search engines, such as Google, Bingo or Yahoo. For example, if your child has to do a search on alligators, explain how to write useful phrases in the search bar, such as “species of alligators” or “types of alligators”.
- Teach ways to find legitimate sources of information. Among other things, it shows you how to choose websites that provide valid explanations on a topic, such as those that end in.edu or.org.
