Computer science for children: 12 tricks to teach them to use a PC

We live in a highly computerized world, and while those of us born in the 1990s or earlier have lived through a period in Since these technologies were not yet widespread, today's children practically come into the world with them under their arms.

These are digital natives, who from early childhood have access to a large number of possibilities derived from the use of new technologies (something that on the one hand has positive effects but at the same time also has not so flattering repercussions and even dangerous).

But the truth is that although the use of computing is highly widespread, even those who are born today need someone to teach them how to use it responsibly: us. That is why throughout this article let's talk about computers for kids, and various tips or tricks from which to help them learn to use a computer.

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Some tips for teaching computer science to children

We'll see now Some tips to help you bring children closer to computers

so that they can learn to use a PC. Of course, it must be taken into account that depending on the age, the level of development or even the interests of the minor, the way and pace of learning can vary enormously.

1. Start with the basics: introduce the computer and the different components

This advice may seem obvious and even stupid, but many people assume that any child already knows and directly understands what a computer is. And as with adults, there is great variability in terms of prior knowledge.

Before going on to assess how to use it It is necessary for children to understand what a computer, a mouse, or a keyboard is. Also what is its usefulness and what it allows us to do, and basic measures for handling and caring for the material (for example, do not throw water on it).

2. Use language appropriate for their age and level of comprehension

We must not fail to take into account that we are talking about children, with what is the ability to understand details and technical elements will generally be less than that of an adult with knowledge IT It is necessary to adjust the type of language: It may be necessary to use analogies and comparisons with elements that children know from their day to day and gradually integrate the new knowledge.

3. Train them in the use of mouse and keyboard

Something very basic that children must begin to learn in order to be able to use a computer successfully is to use the main instruments that we use to control it: mouse and keyboard.

It must be taken into account that depending on the age at which they are taught to handle them motor control can be more or less precise. In this sense, we can show you how moving the mouse allows us to move the cursor around the screen, and then teach how to click with it. It is possible that this can become, at least at first, a little game for the child.

As far as the keyboard is concerned, knowing how to use it first requires understanding the alphabet and showing how each key generates a different letter, symbol or number. It is useful to start with the letters and/or numbers that the child knows, to gradually increase the use of the rest of the keyboard.

Other hotkeys to show them are Space, Enter, and Escape. Keep in mind that learning to use the keyboard is a process that is not carried out in one day: we should not saturate the child if we see that he is overwhelmed, since although it may seem logical to an adult accustomed to using it, for someone who has never used it it can be quite a challenge.

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4. Start using a program

Another of the first steps that someone new to computing must master is the concept of a program or application, as well as the fact of learning to open and close it. In this sense first we will have to define the concept and teach the child to look for it on the computer.

Later we have to make them understand that these programs can be opened and closed, and also that what they do can be saved. Little by little we are going to show them these operations and help them to do them themselves.

5. Encourage drawing with Paint

Many children love to draw. In this sense, programs such as Paint can be very useful to favor and increase the child's ability to apply previous knowledge, at the same time allows you to increase the skill with which you use the mouse and keyboard. We can also download an image that the child can follow.

6. Install and use educational games

Learning to use a computer does not have to be heavy and boring. It may be useful to install different types of games available on the Internet or purchased, often with themes and characters from series known to them or generated with the purpose of promoting learning to use the computer.

It must be taken into account that there are also educational games that allow minors not only to have fun and learn to use the PC, but also to increase their level of knowledge or skill in areas such as detecting and following specific stimuli, concentration, precision in motor control, or the use of language or math.

7. Use the word processor

One way in which children can learn to use the keyboard and at the same time to handle one of the most common uses that we give to a computer is to teach them to open and use a word processor, such as Microsoft Word or even Notepad.

In this sense, we can suggest that they write their name, a favorite object, color or animal or that they tell us how their day went and that they try to write it with our help. If he is a little older, we can suggest that he write a letter or a congratulation.

8. explore with them

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice is the fact that the learning that children do about computing will be of higher quality the more it is shared with the reference figure.

Helping them explore the field of computing will not only allow us to show them how to use a computer itself: we are showing you something new and unknown, in such a way that it can become a little adventure at the same time. That generates an interaction that strengthens the interpersonal bond with them. It also allows the minor to see how the reference figure interacts with the computer.

9. set limits

Computer science is a very useful tool, but as we all know it also has its risks and drawbacks. It is necessary to establish limits regarding what can and cannot be done with the computer, as well as how long they can be with it. Beyond these limits it may be necessary to install some type of parental control to prevent them from accessing inappropriate content for their age, or from coming into contact with unknown people.

10. use the internet

Sooner or later minors are going to have to learn to use the network. In this sense, it is necessary to make them understand not only what it is but also its potential uses and risks, and it is It is advisable to have some type of filter or parental control installed that prevents access to little websites recommended. To learn how to use it it may be useful to explain what a browser or a search engine is, and use some of their hobbies to be able to search for them on the Internet.

11. Explain the risks

Another aspect to take into account is the need to explain to children not only the advantages of using new technologies, but also also its risks: if they do not know that its use has certain dangers, it will be difficult for them to use strategies to prevent them. It is not about frightening them, but it is about making them see that caution must be exercised when using new technologies.

12. Make the experience fun

Finally, a fundamental piece of advice for a child to relate positively to computers is the fact that that considers learning to use it as something desirable, fun, and that involves positive contact with its referents.

This will encourage the youngster to learn, while on the contrary if we are critical of their abilities or try to force them to learn to do things at a certain pace and in a way In particular, it will be quite probable that he will end up rejecting not only the use of the computer but also our indications (and warnings) to the regard.

Bibliographic references:

• UNESCO (2006). International Standard Classification of Education. ISBN 92-9189-037-5.