The eLearning Center for Gatlin Education Services

Distance learning course of 10 lessons

Computers, once the property of relatively few, are now common in many homes. It is only natural that as parents we want to provide the best opportunities we can for our children.

The problem for many of us is that computers were not part of our childhood and we are not quite sure how to use them in the best possible way to help our children.

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included

All study materials

Study Guide

Full Tutor and Admin support

INTRODUCTION
Why Computers?
Computers in the Home
Computers in Education
Which Computer?
The Unknown Future
New Knowledge and Skills

AGES ONE TO TWO
In the Comfort of your Home
The Adult Experience
Computers through a Child''s Eyes
All those Buttons Computers are Child's Play
Laying down the Foundations
Demystifying the Disk
Software for Beginners
Keeping your Sanity
Working with Electricity
Safety First
Making the Rules

AGES TWO TO THREE
The Importance of Play
Toddlers Typing
Mental Development and Language Skills
Cause and Effect
Moving from Trial and Error to Deliberate Actions
Menus and Palettes
Software
Using Printers
Types of Printers
Choosing a Printer
Playing on the Computer

AGES THREE TO FOUR
Consolidating Cause and Effect
The Importance of Causality
Turning off the Computer
The Role of Imitation
Cross-Platform Experiences
Making their Mark
Software

AGES FOUR TO FIVE
Logic at Last
Understanding Symbols
The Formation of Concepts
Predicting Responses on Computers
A Personal View of the World
Matching Software to the Child's View
Developing Memory and Recall
Concept Development
Help from Friends
The Need for Explanations
The Expanding Universe
Changing Technology
Mastering the Computer World
Greater Complexity and Competency
Language Development and Computers
The Real and Imagined World
Imagination and Computers
Different Worlds

AGES FIVE TO EIGHT
School and Home Computer Use
In the Future
Increased Attention and Increased Complexity
Provide Alternatives
Explanations
Avoid Anxiety
Talking when they Work
When Play Becomes Work
Going it Alone

READING, WRITING AND MATHEMATICS
Beware the Software
Integrated Software for Writing
Word Processing Software
Little Publishers
Collaborative Writing
Editing, Design and Importing Graphics
Photo CD-ROMS
Communicating
Reading
Graphics, Sound and Text
Computer Books and CD-ROMs
Mathematics, Space, Measurement and Numbers
Drill and Practice Programs
Alternatives to the Electronic Textbook

GAMES
Parents' Concerns
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Gender Issues
Violence
Sporting Games
Simulations
Integrated Games
Attributes of Good Games
Copy Protection

YOUR ROLE
Modelling How to Learn
Modelling and Developing Positive Attitudes
Service and Support

DO-IT-YOURSELF SOFTWARE
Use Your Imagination and Theirs
Create Your Own Computer Books