Allowing children access to computers early

Once upon a time, technology was simple. There were no radios, no TVs, and no computers. But the world we live in now is a busy one of bright blinking lights, cell phones, iPods, and much much more. Even something as simple as writing a letter isn’t so simple anymore – they’re typed up on computers. Oftentimes, those don’t make it to the post office. People send those via email – no stamp required! No wait time! Your message is instantly in another person’s inbox. Computers are used by high-level scientists and engineers to solve complex problems, or, for fun, to create amazing games. But, even if one never goes to that extreme level, computers are a necessity. Knowing how to use them is key in the current world. Something as simple as communication happens over computers, through computers, and with computers. Learning how to use the current technologies as well as how to continue learning is a must. Allowing children access to computers early in their lives gives them a stepping stone to learning invaluable skills they will use their whole lives. Of course, they won’t instantly learn everything they need to know. It’s a process. One advantage of exposing children to computers in their early education is that it starts that process. It allows children to start learning about what can be done, what can’t and to discover how to use computers. A second advantage is that it gives them a great start to something that will help develop social and technological skills. Much of the computer’s practical use involves communication – whether that be to a friend, a colleague, or an employer. Although children will be talking (or writing) to their friends only, they can begin to learn the valuable etiquette skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives.