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Finding Good Software for My Kids
by Cathy MirankerQ: How do I tell what software is good for my kids?
A: With more than 2,000 kids' CD-ROMs out there (and counting!), it's a tough job. But this three-part approach may help:
- Find resources you respect.
- Try out as many programs as you can.
- Develop some general, easy-to-remember standards, and keep them in mind as you explore the particulars of the software titles you're considering.
- Ask yourself if the software brings truly innovative features to your child's on-screen experience. Think twice if a CD-ROM does little more than bring a familiar book or game, TV cartoon, or movie to the electronic desktop.
- Ask yourself if the software invites active participation, exploration, and discovery. Are kids really being challenged to learn? Or are they just watching, pointing, and clicking?
- Ask yourself if the software's use of multimedia really enhances learning. If there's too much music and sound, animation, and video, kids can lose track of what they're doing and why.
- Ask yourself if the software will tempt your kids to play again and again. Or will they lose interest once the novelty wears off?
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