Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Computer Education For Kids

Computers have become a common and needed part of life in today?s society, making computer education imperative for children. Young children will typically begin to show an interest in the home PC by their toddler years. While it is may be a good idea to begin introducing your toddler to the computer in very short sessions, most children can began to learn and understand a computer?s functionality by preschool age.

Preschool age children can learn to turn the computer on by themselves and will quickly learn to operate the mouse. Simple games that teach and reinforce basic school readiness skills are great for this age. Computer education for preschool age children should be limited to short sessions of about 30 minutes a few times a week.

Many childcare facilities offer computer time as part of their weekly curriculum for preschoolers. Structured games and activities give young children an opportunity to explore the way a computer works. Games that require dragging objects across the screen are excellent for building mouse skills in beginner users. Chose age-appropriate software and websites that involve alphabet and color recognition, shapes, counting, or short stories that are read aloud. Activities that feature music are also enjoyable for a preschooler?s computer time.

Kindergartners are normally still exploring the basics of computer use and will probably do best with activities that reinforce simple skills. As children become more comfortable with the computer, more complex games and activities can be introduced. Computer education for kindergartners typically consists of short sessions of no more than an hour, playing games that correlate with their classroom learning material.

By first grade, children have usually gained a good understanding of how to use a mouse and they are learning to use keyboard letters to type. Games like Typing Instructor for Kids can help young children become fast and efficient computer users. Early elementary age children are ready to move beyond simple reinforcement and skill drill activities to the many different functions of a computer.

First through third graders should use the computer as a supplement for their classroom work. A student studying about stars and planets can use the internet to search for pictures and information about constellations. An assignment about Africa can include a search for videos of African animals. Allow your child to work on his own, but stay close by to prevent access to inappropriate content and to answer any questions.

Software programs that allow children to create, like an art or publishing suite designed specifically for kids, can boost creativity along with providing exposure to technology. Grade level skills can also be practiced and enhanced with math, reading, and spelling computer games. There are a number of kid-friendly websites that provide search engines, games, and interaction opportunities.

Computer education for children should also include writing and creative writing activities. First graders are beginning to familiarize themselves with the keyboard and can write short letters or emails. By second and third grade, children can use word processor programs or writing software designed for children to write and publish their own short stories and poems, as well as use email to write to relatives.

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Thursday, May 8, 2008

Computer Art Colleges

Computer art is gaining popularity among students and art schools alike. Computer art colleges focus on the ways in which computers can be used for graphic design, digital imaging and animation. The computer is a powerful asset for the artist, and the best computer art schools produce graduates with heightened knowledge of visual design, color theory, typography, drawing and other ?traditional? aspects of art. In this way, computer art is placed into a context that integrates it with other artistic endeavors.

Although you can get a degree in computer art, be sure to choose a computer art college that doesn?t just sit you at a computer. Digital imaging technology is useless unless there are creative concepts and designs to underlie and direct it. Students must learn the design process regardless of the media used. A solid working knowledge of art and design is needed before students begin to work in digital media.

Computer animation and special effects are a big aspect of computer art. While traditional animation relies primarily on drawing skills, computer (digital) animation allows the construction of multidimensional (2D and 3D) character animation. Animation projects that combine the latest audio and video techniques are the ultimate goal of the computer art student.

Computer art colleges differ tremendously in the types of programs and degrees offered. There are four-year degrees, two-year degrees and certificate programs. There are schools that offer accelerated programs where a student can obtain a four-year degree in 24 or 36 months.

Your first decision when considering computer art colleges is how well rounded you want your education to be. Courses in art history, for example, while not directly related to animation or graphic design, can give you a broad understanding of artistic principles that will carry over into your computer art design process. If you set a narrow scope, be aware that your creative efforts may be one-dimensional. If you opt for a broader education, the additional time and effort will pay off in better creative products.



Best Art Colleges provides detailed information on Art Colleges, Best Art Colleges, Computer Art Colleges, Art History Colleges and more. Best Art Colleges is affiliated with Online Art Schools.

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Monday, February 25, 2008

Computer Education from Vocational Schools

Computer Education Vocational Studies introduces students to the many aspects of computer technology. Depending on the school, the computer course may include the subjects of programming, software development, web development, problem-solving, troubleshooting, and computer graphics, to name a few. The best part is students can gain the analytical skills, hands-on experience, and technological know-how necessary in today's rapidly expanding technological marketplace.

A vocational computer education allows students to concentrate on developing a basic understanding of computers; they may specialize in digital electronics, artificial intelligence, software engineering, computer networks, operating systems, information technology (IT) or computer design. Computer education programs in technology teach the various basic science and engineering concepts through lectures and laboratory classroom study.

Students in vocational computer education programs can expect to develop expertise in all computer functions and know-how in computer applications. Once basic comprehension in the foundations of computer functions is developed, students can opt to choose more advanced computer education courses, such as the uses of computer hardware and software and computer networking. Advanced students can study the application of methods and technology to solve computer problems.

Programs of study in vocational computer education programs can net the student a certificate or an associate degree in Computer Science. Students may opt for an emphasis on web development, networks, databases, information security, or technical support.

If you are interested in learning more about a Computer Education and accredited Computer Schools or Online Computer Schools, research our website today and find the right school for you!

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Vocational Schools, Trade Schools, Colleges, Universities, and Online Schools at SchoolsGalore.com, your educational resource to locate schools.

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Friday, December 21, 2007

How To Succeed At A Computer Training School

One of the best decisions you can ever make is to attend a computer training school. As I've written in several other articles, you have to ask the right questions before writing a check or taking out a student loan, but when you find the right school you are indeed on your way to a successful career.

There's a big difference between attending a tech school and excelling at the classes, though. Whether you just "float through" the school or really work hard is totally up to you. From my personal experience at such a school, I'd like to offer you one simple tip that will quadruple your chances of success at the school and in the job market.

Get there early and stay late.

When I attended a tech school years ago, I admit I was surprised that most of my classmates had what I call the "junior high school" mentality - they would get there late and leave as soon as class is over. Guess what? You're no longer in junior high. You're attending this school to create a career for yourself. Get to class early, get some extra study and work in while you're waiting for class to start, and then stay after class!

The most important part of your computer school studies is getting hands-on experience with the technologies that you're learning. If you're taking a Cisco class, you need to work with a router or switch as often as you can. If you're learning a software program, you need to work with that program in the school's labs as much as possible. Reading books alone will not teach you everything you need to know. The best time to get extra work in is after class. You may not be able to work in the computer labs at night if the school offers night classes, but odds are there are very few people in there during the afternoon. You need to be one of those people.

Doing only what is required of you is not the path to excellence. You need to go beyond the requirements of the school and invest the extra time and effort into your career. I speak from experience - there is no field in the world that rewards individual effort more than the IT field. Develop the habit of going "above and beyond" today, and this will pay huge dividends for you in the future.

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933, is the owner of The Bryant Advantage (http://www.thebryantadvantage.com), home of free CCNA and CCNP tutorials! For my FREE "How To Pass The CCNA" or "CCNP" ebook, visit the website and download your copies. Pass your CCNA exam with The Bryant Advantage!

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