Computer Learning and Online Time for Children

There is no suitable or appropriate age when there are no enough resources,

instructions and supervisors for creating effective computer learning opportunity (Collis, B.,

1996). However, there is need for computer learning so that higher secondary students will be

able to solve their homework, assignments and projects.

The absence of computer knowledge will result in children facing challenges for

completing their projects on time with productive results because their attention will be on

how to use this technology than how to solve the assignment (Hasselt, V., and Hersen, M.,

1998).

The purpose of article is to identify appropriate age for children to have computers

incorporated in their curriculum with cooperation from parents at home. Therefore, the aim of

the article is to recognize which age is suitable to introduce computers for children.

Computer learning and online time are important factors for determining suitable age

(Haythornthwaite, C., and Kazmer, M., 2004). The proper age will be fifteen to eighteen

years old. The school and parents should set computer and online time for children to make

sure that they are misusing such an opportunity, which will lead to limitations rather than

developing creativity, strengths and knowledge. At the age of fifteen, the children should

acquire appropriate knowledge on how to use Microsoft applications (word, powerpoint and

excel) and to manage desktop. This will be serving the basics before taking off on computer

knowledge.

The learning process should take place with presence of teachers at school and parents

at home supervising and monitoring their activities with proper reason for using computer.

By the end of their online time, teachers and parents should evaluate their activities such as

calculating maths, drawing charts, creating forms or writing paragraphs completion. By the

age of sixteen to eighteen, they will be able to prepare their assignments and projects.

The advantages and benefits of introducing computer to children of fifteen years old

will be beneficial because they have gained the proper knowledge and creativity from

traditional learning methods. It will be an independent age where they control their desires,

which are unwanted such as games, music, videos or surfing on the net that will not be

serving educational needs.

If the computer learning takes place at the age of sixteen then their enthusiasm and

excitement will not allow them to focus on learning required applications. Therefore, by the

age of fifteen or before secondary school is the appropriate time for children gaining access

to the computers. It is the role of the parents for making decision when their children should

have access to computer and online time inline with educational curriculum. There will be

difficulties and challenges for enforcing children to stay on track and not using computer

besides the purpose set.

The limitations will be when parents are introducing computers and there are no

educational curriculum requirements for assignments and projects or activities in relation

with the computer then there is no point for introducing computer. The reason is that the

children will be spending time on computer without any purpose and it will be waste of time.

Therefore, there will be low learning and knowledge gaining taking place.

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In conclusion, the age will be fifteen to eighteen, which will be the time for them to

learn computers. The reason is that they will be able to use it when they have assignments

and projects or activities from school. However, it is depending on school syllabus and

parents knowledge about computers before making decision for introducing computers to the

children. The recommendation based is on practical experience and observation of children at

various levels along with needs in the school syllabus. Such recommendations will be varying

from one country to another and it will be depending on culture and beliefs with direct link to

the educational curriculum.

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References

Collis, B. 1996. Children And Computers In School. New York: Routledge.

Hasselt, V., and Hersen, M. 1998. Handbook Of Psychological Treatment Protocols For

Children And Adolescents: The LEA Series In Personality And Clinical Psychology.

New York: Routledge.

Haythornthwaite, C., and Kazmer, M. 2004. Learning, Culture, And Community In Online

Education: Research And Practice. Volume 21 Of Digital Formations. New York: Peter

Lang.

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