I love www.starfall.com , thanks crystalstar. Robert loves it too. However, I am also militant about no tv for Robert to the point where I refuse to own one. I know Waldorf has some strong views against computer usage too and while I have not chosen to strictly follow one school of education or another I am feeling slightly hipocritical about allowing Robert ot use to computer. However he is asking for it and asking to learn can't be bad. But, what are other views on it? I know computers are an integral part of modern society (I've been on this forum for like three years) but what is it doing to his brain and ability to think for himself? What age does computer usage become okay? Or, is it an everything in moderation thing? What are other peoples' views on this issue? Had
Teaching your child to use a computer and allowing him to use it is, in my opinion, a good idea at any age. The problems with computers are the following: overuse, and distraction. They are both very easy to fix: don't allow the child to use the computer for too many hours a day, and don't let him use it when he is working on a topic where the computer is of no use. Of course, if you know what you're doing with computers, I'd suggest giving him a rather weak computer with Linux on it, and teach him to use it. The educational value in it is priceless.
Computer skills are pretty neccesary,as long as you have limits and keep a close eye on what kids are doing on line (older ones mostly there) I think it's ok. My son loves starfall too. personally there are times when I would rather chew off my own head than see "zac the rat" again,ya know
I'm going to have to check out starfall! My daughter (6 year old) loves to play on the computer. She plays cd roms and uses educational web pages. I'm teaching her how to do searches to find information, but you have to watch closely with these. The other day, I was doing a search for "wood products" and a porn site popped up! As least dd wasn't here to see! She also likes to go to MS word and just type....she especially likes wingdings. Another thing we are learning is solitaire, which helps her with patterns, etc. I think learning to work on computers is essential now days. I do limit her time though, just because I want her to also learn other things and to get outside and excercise, etc. She is allowed 1 hour per day or a little longer if the weather is bad and she can't get outside.
i say, all things in moderation. Even TV. Basic computer skills are a necessity in our culture. It's hard to get a job without at least the very basics. The earlier, the better, as far as learning to use programs are concerned. Games, of course, can be limited to special occasions, and internet surfing only under supervision until one reaches an appropriate age.
