Child computer

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A child computer (or kid computer) is an educational toy computer.

History

Some manufacturers regarded normal personal computers as an inappropriate platform for learning software for younger children and produced custom child-friendly pieces of hardware instead. The hardware and software is generally combined into a single product, such as a laptop-lookalike.

Some common examples include imaginatively designed handheld game consoles with a variety of pluggable educational game cartridges and book-like electronic devices into which a variety of electronic books can be loaded. These products are more portable than general laptop computers, but have a much more limited range of purposes, concentrating on literacy and numeracy.

Ergonomic hardware is fundamental for baby learning, where Tablet PCs and touchscreens are preferably used instead of keyboards and computer mice. Also, a sandbox environment is created, to disable the use of the keyboard (excepting some combination of keys that can only be typed by and adult), taskbar and opening of other programs and screens.

Types

ABC keyboard

Such computers may be custom-designed standalone toys,[1] or personal computers tailored for children's use.[2] [3]

Keyboard

Child computer keyboards may use large and differently colored keys to help differentiate them. Baby and toddler computers include ABC keyboards. Child computers include QWERTY keyboards.

QWERTY keyboards may be employed as an early aid in learning typing.[4]

Mouse

Small mice, about half the size of a typical adult mouse, are used in toddler's computers. They are programmed for “one-click” operation.

Case

The case may be reinforced to protect it from misadventure.

Reception

Such computers are not seen as a replacement for time spent parenting.[5]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Cetrone, Shawn (4 December 2012). "Sleigh Bell Network: Rock Hill mom needs a little help at Christmas". heraldonline.com. Retrieved 18 November 2013. 
  2. ↑ Takiff, Jonathan (7 March 1996). "Let Your Kids Learn Skills On ‘Look-Alike’ Computer". Philadelphia Daily News. Retrieved 18 November 2013. 
  3. ↑ Takiff, Jonathan (7 March 1996). "Let Your Kids Learn Skills On ‘Look-Alike’ Computer". Philadelphia Daily News. Retrieved 18 November 2013. 
  4. ↑ "Learning to think different". Urbanovergrowth. 12 October 2011. Retrieved 18 November 2013. 
  5. ↑ Sarge (30 November 2012). "Working the core". Canada Free Press. Retrieved 18 November 2013. 
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike; additional terms may apply for the media files.