Computers Too Soon?

The farthest back I can remember my computer use going to, is reading and writing programs in kindergarten, and Oregon Trail on an Apple in 1st grade. I didn't start using the internet until 4th or 5th grade, and didn't get the internet on my own computer at my own house until some time later.

And I think that's a pretty good development. Compared to watching TV, I think computer games kick ass. At least with a game, you can use a bit of your brain. (Just as long as it's not too gory. There's a reason why some games are rated M.) I know when I have kids I'll probably end up more leniant when it comes to computers, rather than the TV.

The internet is a trickier issue. It's becoming a bigger and bigger form of communication, so you have to know how to use it. But there are a lot of things I wouldn't want a young kid seeing. I guess the key is to start with monitored usage and then relax your rules once you start to really trust what your kid is doing. But really, I'm just speaking theoretically.

When I was in my high school English class we had to read "of mice and men". I finished the book in about half the time as everyone else and this got me thinking. Why was I such a good reader? It's not like I read books in my fee time. Then it hit me all most all the out put from a computer comes in text form. I had been reading 24/7 since I was 12.

My point is that if nothing else kids who use computers will end up being a lot more literate then the kids who watch TV all day.

cwk9:
You have a pretty valid point. Throughout the past few years i have thought to myself, "gee I don't read much books anymore" then, I realize that I have pretty much substituted doing stuff on the computer and Internet, than sitting down and reading a book. Now don't get me wrong here, I still read books. Just not nearly as much as I used too. Now, they tend to be reference books, instead of the "get lost in a story" book.

I concur with your opinion on using a computer is better than watching TV.

Back to the main topic:
I guess it all boils down to the Parents. YOU are responsible for how much your children learn, and how they learn it. A student no matter which grade, has a few ways of completing their assignment, without cheating. Now, lets take two students and a Math test. When doing this test, you can use a piece of 'scratch' paper, to write out all your problems, and do it visually, or you can do it with a calculator. One student does it on his 'scratch' paper, then writes the answers down, the second student uses the calculator. They both have the answers correct.
But which one is more knowledgeable? The one who wrote it down the long-hand way? Or the one who did it with using the calculator?

Answer:
It really depends, on if the student who used the calculator realizes how to get the answer by doing it the long-hand way. Why? Because in the real-world you won't have a calculator with all the time. I know, I need it quite frequently at work, but I don't have one. Guess i don't want to carry one around with me. And I suck in math. So I end up having to do it long-hand.

If you as a parent think that your child isn't learning the formula to achieve the answer, then you should either address the concern to the principal or whoever. Or take matters into your own hands, and teach your child(ren) how to do it, without using a tool which will allow them to get the answer quicker.

Being a minor myself, I persoanlly didn't use a computer that had internet access until 7th grade, and not getting a PC at home until 9th grade. But I started using computers in 2nd grade (I think they were old 486's), and in second grade I started using old AppleIIe's (what version of MacOS had a desktop that had folders instead of a standard desktop?)

Anyway, on the issue of teaching a child... I believe that what KorpDeath is doing is great. Letting your children start using them at an early age helps them in the long run, as long as they don't become hooked to it at age 2. I also agree with cwk9 about being more literate because of reading on the computer as well as reference manuals (about a foreign worker named manual) on various subjects, whether it be HTML, Java, C, or Linux...
If people started using and becoming more proficient with computers at an earler age, we wouldn't have nearly as many stupid computer-illiterate users out there.

As a student myself I would say that kids shouldn't be introduced to computers any earlier then 2nd or 3rd grade. Kids at that point should be supervised strictly.

In discussion about school "IT people" or whatever they want to be called, my experience with them has showed me they lack the knowlegde and/or the caring to properly supervise access at schools.

I have found that my reading abailty and vocabulary has gone up as a result of reading on the net, but it even on a laptop is as enjoyable to curl up with as a good book in its tree-killing paper form.

Idea!
Don't use a computer until you use a book to find out how the computer works :) Don't use an internet site until you read books about how it got there. Don't use anything, until you've done actual research into how and why it works. Think that'd get kids thinking a bit more?

*shrug*
Just an idea.
God bless,
--PhirePhreak

Wow - I really had no idea this post would attract so much attention. I guess it's really not a sign I am getting older...

I do push my kids towrds books and I check all homework before it goes to school. I point out errors and get them to fix them on their own (not just give them the correct answers).

After reading several posts, I realized I may be projecting a lot of my academic success onto my kids and may have expectations that are higher than they should be. After completing college with a 3.78 GPA and receiving nothing less than 96% in all math (I still hate calculus...), science and computer science classes, maybe I am expecting too much from kids who are still learning fractions, earth science and the like.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that you all have reinforced my beliefs in the way I work with my kids, but made me realize that I could relax a little and let them be kids.

Thanks to all!

this is a post of life.. meaning, it's more attention getting =)

and, its good for adults to push us kids.. but not into books. i can't stand books. my mom did that as well, as i was in middle school & elemetary .. i was having my mom and dad check my homework (mom checked, english, science .. dad check math) .. but i check my own work now, that my parents have taught me this great thing to do =/ it takes me an extra 5 mins of work but, an extra understanding of why and wut i missed. =)

and your 3.78GPA in college, is just outstanding =) Congratulations =)

and thank you, as well..

and for you: your welcomed ---> "Thanks to all!"

--joey

Computers are the reality of the future, I think that if they are used properly computers teach our children much more than they would normally have access to. They find using a computer to search for information far more interesting than going and searching encylopedias. Children do need supervision, that I certainly agree with of God knows what they will learn on the internet. If we can assist them in learning, why not.

i also have a kid, she first layed her hands on the keyboard at age 2.