Teaching your kids to use computers

Whichever field you work in, it’s increasingly vital to know your way around a computer. So one of the key skills we need to teach our kids is computer literacy. Dan Roberts gets some expert advice on making IT fun.

Technology now dominates every aspect of our lives. Mobile phones, iPods, email, the internet, social networking sites, laptops, home computers… if you can’t handle technology you’re in big trouble.

Not knowing how to use a computer will be a form of illiteracy in the future.

It’s vital that our kids are comfortable with technology, and especially computers, from an early age. Here’s a guide to helping them at every stage – from toddler right up to teenage – plus the best educational software for each age.

Pre-school

The key to teaching the littlest kids about computers is to make it fun. Like everything else at this age, the best way to engage their minds is to turn learning into a game. Barrie Porter, an IT tutor with Computeach, has been passing down his computer skills to his ten-year-old son since he was a toddler.

"I wanted to get him involved in IT as quickly as possible," says Barrie. "But it’s a balancing act. You have to make it fun and if you push a child too hard the natural reaction is for them to get bored or rebel against it."

Barrie recommends getting your child on to the computer from the tender age of three – the younger the better, really. "When they’re really young you just want to introduce them to computers – get them to start thinking about what they’re used for," he advises.

"The best way to do that is with nursery-level software, especially games based on their favourite TV programmes like Dora the Explorer," says Barrie. "They’ll learn to use the keyboard and mouse and to navigate their way through games. Drawing and painting programmes are perfect too – nothing too technical and make sure they’re having fun!"

• Pre-school education

Software

Scooby Doo: Jinx at the Sphinx

• Fun action game
• 10 different puzzles and activities

• Problem-solving and critical thinking

DK Learning Ladder Step 1 – preschool

• Teaches the alphabet
• Phonics and simple spelling
• Making and reading simple words
• Building vocabulary and handwriting
• Counting and matching amounts

School age

Once kids start school their computer skills will really take off. Not only are they more dextrous, so can handle a mouse and type much more easily, but they’ll be using computers at school, so clicking their way through programs will become second nature. According to Barrie, this is the time to step up your child’s IT training.

"As they get older, start introducing them to harder versions of the software, with more features and navigation, sub-menus and shortcut keys," he says. "Once they’re at school and start getting homework, if possible get them to do it on the computer – maths, for example".

"And you can buy software matching the National Curriculum specifically for their age – so maths, English or science for year eight, nine or whatever. It helps them at school and with their computer skills too. With my son, we got him using programmes a year ahead – that gave him a great head start at school."

• School education

Software

DK Learning Ladder Step 2 – years 1 & 2

• Teaches alphabetical order
• Phonics and spelling
• Writing words and building sentences
• Word usage and reading text
• Reading and writing numbers
  

SpongeBob Squarepants Typing Software

• Arcade-style learning activities
• Game or practice mode
• Tracks typing, speed and accuracy
• Common letter combinations

Teenage

Once kids hit their teens, there’s not a great deal you can teach them about technology. Today’s teenagershave a natural affinity with techie stuff like iPods, mobile phones, computer games and social networking sites like Facebook or MySpace. In fact, at this age they will probably start teaching you!

"Some of the stuff my son does is a mystery to me – and I’m an IT professional!" says Barrie. "Especially with stuff like iPods and downloading music, it’s frightening the speed at which he navigates through it all"."

"One of the biggest challenges with teaching kids IT today is that they’re running away from the parents, especially once they’re teenagers. Kids know more about computers than we do!"

Your main role at this age is to make sure they’re using computers safely – especially when surfing the Net or using chatrooms. And although they will happily spend hours doing the fun stuff, you’ll have to push them to use software that helps with GCSEs and A-levels.

"The great thing about teenagers is that they have tremendous enthusiasm and want to do everything, so it’s easy to encourage them,’ says Barrie. ‘At this age it’s just about buying software that helps them at school – and making sure they use it, of course!"

• Teenagers

Software

Letts GCSE Megapack – Key Stage 2

This pack of six is a great revision guide package. It includes all the main subjects to get your child ready for their GCSEs.

• English, Maths, French, Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Aids study for any GCSE syllabus
• Full answers and examiners’ tips

DK: A-level Biology

Dorling Kindersley has A-level software for every subject

• Improves grades
• Maximises study time
• Over 1000 questions
• Choice of level and topic
• Monitors progress with instant feedback

If you would like to contact Barrie email him at barrie.porter@computeach.co.uk. For more information about IT training visit www.computeach.co.uk

Author

Dan Roberts is a feature-writer and columnist with over ten years’ experience of working for The Guardian, The Observer, The Independent, Daily Express and Mail on Sunday, as well as numerous national magazines. His areas of expertise include health, wellbeing, relationships, psychology and parenting. Dan also writes two monthly columns, including Diary of a Single Dad, a humorous but affectionate account of raising his ten-year-old son, Ben. The best of Dan’s work can be found on his website at www.dan-roberts.net

Your tips?

Have you got any good tips for getting your kids into technology? Share your wisdom with other dads using our comments system below.