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Computer Access: means by which someone uses a computer. Examples:
input and feedback devices, such as switches, expanded keyboards, key latches,
and electronic communications. Output adaptations: text enlargement, synthesized
speech, Braille.
Computer Based Instruction: to assist learning, independent interactions.
Software can provide the tools for written expression, spelling, calculation,
reading, basic reasoning, and higher level thinking skills.
Selecting the right computer software can be a frightening experience with
the thousands and thousands of options available. If you are selecting software
for children, the authors of the Computer Museum Guide suggest "10 Tips
to Buying Children’s Software" and "Parent Tips for Finding
the Best Software for Different Ages".
You might want to review
software before buying by checking out
www.kidsource.com
www.amazon.com
www.superkids.com
Speaks text on any web page
Here are some tried and true Computer Software Ideas for Kids or Beginners:
- KidDesk - Desktop with programs specifically for your child and separate
from adult sections of your computer. Available from Edmark Co.
- Biggy - Allows you to select unusual and larger cursors. Available from R.
J. Cooper.
PROGRAMS THAT TEACH SKILLS (Basic Computer
Skills):
- My First Mouse - Introduces beginning mouse skills by Stoneware Software.
- Key Wack - A
Cause-Effect beginning program, shareware.
- Babytime - Similar to KeyWack but can be customized to include familiar
photos, voices, sounds. Also features drawing "scribbling" with
the mouse, shareware from Macintosh.
- My Very First Software: tutorials, fun games, and vocabulary sections for
first time and beginner computer users by Vroom Books.
- Jump Start Typing - Beginning typing program from Knowledge Adventure.
- Mario Teaches Typing - Learn and practice keyboarding skills by
Brainstorm.
- Read, Write, & Type - from Learning Co.
- Stickybear Typing - Beginning typing program from Optimum Resources, Inc.
PROGRAMS THAT TEACH CONTENT:
- Baby-Rom: for ages 6 months to 4 years from Byron Press Multimedia Co.
Features five early learning games on three different levels.
- Bailey’s Bookhouse (early reading); Discover the alphabet, adjectives,
prepositions, and rhyming, or create a card or a story. Available from
Edmark Co.
- Blue’s Clues ABC Time Activities and 123 Time Activities by Humongous
Entertainment
- Millie’s Math House (early math): can explore and discover or use the
question and answer mode. Available from Edmark Co.
- Kid Phonics: increase sound-letter awareness and discriminations.
Available from Davidson Co.
- JumpStart Educational Software from Knowledge Adventure has programs
available for babies to school-age in many and varied content areas.
- Sammy’s Science House (early science): discover the wonders of nature,
weather, animals, etc., in a fun format. Available from Edmark Co.
- Simon Sounds it Out - phonological awareness Available from Edmark Co.
- The Backyard: another early learning software program.
Available from Don Johnston.
- Thinkin’ Things (concepts, categories, beginning reasoning skills) from
Edmark Co.
PROGRAMS THAT SIMULATE REAL-WORLD ACTIVITIES:
- Active Play: A Bug’s Life by Disney Interactive
- Living Books: electronic books on CD. Interactive stories such as Arthur’s
Birthday, Arthur’s Teacher Trouble and Little Monster at School are
available by Broderbund. Dr. Suess’ Green Eggs and Ham or Cat in the Hat
are available through the Learning Co. Mercer Mayer’s Just Me and My Dad
or Just Grandma and Me are available from Humongous Entertainment.
PROGRAMS THAT HELP CHILDREN CREATE:
- Blocks in Motion-Available from Don Johnston.
- Flying Colors-Clipart images and backgrounds by Magic Mouse Productions.
- KidPix: for younger or beginning artists by Broderbund.
- KidWorks 2: use to create, illustrate, and hear your own story. Available
from Knowledge Adventure
- Amazing Writing Machine: creative writing and illustration in five
different forms: story, letter, journal, essay, and poem by Broderbund.
PROGRAMS THAT HELP STUDENTS FIND INFORMATION:
- My First Incredible, Amazing Dictionary: interactive program for 1000
words and their meanings. Available from Dorling Kindersley Multimedia.
Freeware/Shareware:
www.download.com
www.kidsfreeware.com
www.happypuppy.com
www.kidsdomain.com
Inexpensive Software:
www.arcamax.com
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