Computer uses for children

Computers are fascinating and complex and so are their many uses available for children. Besides the obvious and more common uses, such as CD games, educational websites, or online games, there are other less known technologies available for enhancing a child's learning and life. I have the privilege of working with special needs children and have become familiar with ways computers help facilitate learning and enhance the quality of life for some children/adults. One fascinating use is called Intellikeys, www.intellitools.com. This allows a child to push a large button with a picture and text on it, in order to make choices and therefore "make something happen" on the computer. This can be a huge breakthrough for children who are unable to communicate using typical language.

Most children are drawn to the computer, such is the case with children with developmental disabilities. The computer's colors, movement, and sound capture their attention in ways that human interaction cannot at times. Computers are a marvelous tool for teaching children who have challenges learning through traditional means.