Technology Gifts for Children

This is a guest post by Jen Morack, owner of the ComputerTots/ComputerExplorers technology education program for Hunterdon and Mercer Counties.  For information about a program in your area visit www.computerexplorers.com

It’s that time of year when I get many questions regarding the best technology gifts available for our littlest of students. As a technology educator and mom, I have tried many different devises over the years not only for our educational curriculums but also for my own children. Here are just a few items that I’ll be buying this year.

Digital cameras are always the top of the list for any age and Fisher Price has designed a great camera for our youngest of digital natives: The Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital Camera.  It’s a real camera but encased in a preschooler proof, durable, graspable plastic case for little hands.  What I like is the two-eyed view feature (think binoculars) and a 1.3” color LCD preview screen to see the pic they’ve just taken.  The camera comes with a USB cord, software, comes in Pink and Blue and it takes up to 50 photos.  This is not a devise that will produce high quality photographs, but your preschooler will not mind the quality is just as good as any disposable you can buy.  This camera’s durability and ease of use make it a great beginner camera for the PreK-6 year old set.

For the little ones who aren’t quite ready for the infamous Game Boy but who really want one to be just like big brother, the Leapster L-Max is a great alternative and slightly more educational.  Leapster has spent a few years creating games that support learning.  This device can also replace the original Leapster as those cartridges also work in the new upgraded unit.  Children interact by using the stylus on the touch screen. I love that the stylus is attached! I have spent many hours looking for Game Boy stylus that have been lost “somewhere in the car” and purchased many replacements over the years.  The L-Max is available in Pink and in Silver.

VTech has designed a similar unit called the V.Smile Pocket which uses Smartridges that are compatible with the handheld as well as the TV system. The Smartridges have games in different age ranges so older siblings will be happy to “borrow” if your preschooler is willing to share. This system does not use touch screen technology.

Does your preschooler long to use mommy’s Blackberry? Well never fear, they can have their own - a Blackberry just for your Preschooler! Leapfrog Text and Learn looks just like a Blackberry and helps children learn their letters and letter sounds on a QWERTY keyboard. The display is basic in black and white and there are some nice little games to be played on the system. It’s a basic and affordable toy that most 2-4 year olds will love as they pretend to be Twittering just like mom! 

Teaching Technology to Kids for Twenty Years: Jen Morack of Computer Explorers

Are you smarter than your preschooler? When it comes to computer knowledge, you may not be!

Since 1984, children as young as 3 years old have been enriched by technology education with Computer Tots/Computer Explorers, a Technology Education program for learners aged 3 to adult. Montgomery Township resident, Jen Morack is celebrating 20 years with the home-based business as president of the Mercer and Hunterdon location.

When Jen started with the company, Technology Education involved introducing students to the Apple IICs and its parts. But now computers have become a tool for education. “We’ve gone from “this is a mouse” 20 years ago to utilizing digital cameras, digital microscopes, and robotics and GPS systems in our courses.”

With a curriculum written by educators, each Computer Tots class is designed to engage groups of 3-4 children in computer lessons that teach a variety of educational tasks like Math, Reading, Problem Solving and Memory development. The motor skill development is also apparent, as young children learn how to maneuver the mouse with one hand. After only a few weeks with Computer Tots, you may hear words like Icon, Desktop, CD-Rom, Delete and even USB Port from your child and don’t be surprised if they give you a lesson with using the computer.

“Our preschoolers of today are “digital natives,” added Jen. “They are born into this technological age of cell phones, laptops, netbooks etc. while most parents are still “digital immigrants” – learning as we go!”

While reflecting on her favorite memories of running and teaching Computer Explorers, Jen recalled a conversation she had with one of her parents that validated the special and lasting effect that a quality educational program, like Computer Tots/Computer Explorers, can have on a family.

"A mother came up to me to tell me how much she loved our program and that she was registering her 6^th and last child for our courses. Our first COMPUTERTOT from this family is now 18 and going off to college!"

From Mrs. Mo: I can personally affirm the value of starting computer education in pre-school because I worked for Jen as one of her Computer Tots teachers before Maddy was born. I taught small groups of kids aged 3-5 and saw first hand the motor skill and memory development that grew out of the weekly lessons. With 6 years experience of teaching middle school Computers and Math, I was amazed that 3 year old children could remember that the computer screen was called a Desktop and the little pictures were called Icons. And you know what? It was fun for them, because we played CD-ROM games like Little Bear and Finding Nemo.

To find a Computer Tots location in your area, visit www.ComputerExplorers.com.

Computer training for Preschoolers

Moms, now that the school year has begun, get your child signed up for the Computer Tots program. Classes are available all over the state.

You may be thinking: computer classes for 3 and 4 year olds? It's possible and it works. I taught classes before I had Maddy and witnessed the development of the fine motor skills necessary for manipulating a computer mouse. My kids learned computer terms like icon, desktop and USB port. It's a great program.

To read more, click here.

To sign-up, find the Computer Tots center closest to you.

If you live in Mercer or Hunterdon county, give owner Jen Morack a call.