Computers for Children and Seniors
Children
| Description | Link |
| "Books by You" is a software program that lets children create their own interactive books. They can choose story lines, write creatively and add pictures. It is a way for parents and children to learn and play together at home. | |
"FUNdamental math" software teaches children math in an effective and engaging way. There are levels ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade and serves as a great addition to the classroom. |
Fundamentally Math |
| This research paper studies how childrens' well-being is affected by online communication. The researchers contrasted adolescents chatting on instant messanger and children talking to strangers in chat rooms to see which, or either improved their well-being | Online Communication and Adolescent Well-Being |
| This research paper looks at how the amount of time children spend on computers affects their physical, cognitive and social development. The researchs look at how computer gamese can both put children at risk for obeseity, but also enhance their ability to read and visualize images. Additional studies measure computers' effects on children's friendships and family relationships. | Impact of Computer Use on Children's Development |
| Kid chatters is an safe online chat room designed just for children. It is a "cool" place to meet other kids and talk about hobbies and interests. Parents must register their kids for Kid chatters in order to begin. | Kid Chatters |
| The organization "The Future of Children" focuses on children's growing use of computer technology at home and school. They believe children should all be competent on computers in order to be prepared for careers and life in the 21st century. This organization does research and makes suggestions on how children can most benefit from the rising technology. | Future of Children |
Seniors
| Description | Link |
"MindFit" is software that exercises the brain to keep it helathy and strong. "MindFit" is easy to learn and great for inexperienced computer users. The puzzles and tasks are specially designed for seniors because they have been shown to improve short-term memory, eye-hand coordination, reaction times and even slow cognitive loss. |
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| "Big Screen Live" software is speically designed for older adults to communicate online with family members and friends. This software provides a safe environment and requires no previous experience with computers and online connection. Users are able to send information, photos, games and messages to each other with ease. | Big Screen Live |
| This research paper studies adult's (60 years or older) attitudes about computers both before and after a computer course. The researchers compared stereotypes of senior's interactions with computers to their results and found that technology can be both fun and beneficial. Elder adults were able to learn basic skills and become familiar with just one course. | Effects of Intro Computer Course on Attitudes of Older Adults |
| The CoolGrandma online community is a website for seniors to learn, interact and share with each other on the internet. It is designed to empower the elderly community and get them comfortable with the growth of the internet and computer. Features include discussions, forums and learning opportunities. | Cool Grandma |
| Senior-chatroom provides a place for older adults to find friendship, dating or even love. The site is easy to use and dedicated to finding companions for people older than the usual chatroom crowd. Senior-chatroom is a great place for seniors to share stories and talk about hobbies, religion, family and even health and retirement issues. | Senior Chatroom |
| SeniorNet is an organization that provides older adults with a safe and fun place for them to learn, chat and get help with their computer/internet problems. SeniorNet is the world's leading nonprofit technology educator and is dedicated to getting everybody, especially seniors, benefiting from computers. | Senior Net |