[Ctd] Video Professor - The Role of Computers in the Family Home

[paul.kholer paul.kholer]

*The Role of Computers in the Family Home*

A recent study revealed that computers are having a positive impact on
family interaction. Family members use computers to keep in touch with each
other throughout the day, and to participate in fun learning activities
jointly. Unlike television, the computer is an interactive tool, one that
prompts responses from the user. The interactive nature of the personal
computer allows family members to collaborate in researching and solving
problems, playing games, designing projects, planning trips…the
possibilities are nearly endless. Because computers also increase the
educational and financial opportunities of families—by providing easy access
to myriad resources—they also enable families to enjoy an improved quality
of life.

Take a look at these common uses for computers in the family home:

   -
   - Doing Homework
   - Playing Games
   - Paying Bills
   - Planning Trips
   - Researching health issues
   - Taking online courses
   - Using computer learning tutorials
   - Sending photos and emails to extended family
   - Surfing the Web
   - Family budgeting
   - Shopping

Families point out a number of advantages to having a computer in the family
home:

   - Parents can monitor their children's schoolwork, and help them with
   their homework.
   - Kids tend to get better grades.
   - Parents pursue more education thanks to the convenience,
   affordability, and accessibility of online learning.
   - Parents find tools for managing their financial resources, such as
   budgeting software, online investment services, credit counseling, tuition
   aid, grants, and scholarships.
   - Husbands and wives can easily and privately communicate throughout
   the workday, using email or instant messaging.
   - Children can send photos and drawings to their grandparents.
   - Faraway family members can see each other with a Web camera.
   - Families can spend quality time together playing games and working
   on projects.

When it comes to incorporating computers into your family life, it's
important to strike a balance. As we all know, getting too much of a good
thing tends to negate the positive effects. Kids and adults who spend an
excessive amount of time on the computer see a decline in physical fitness
as well as social aptitude. That's why limiting your children's computer
usage is no less than necessary. That doesn't just mean putting a cap on the
time they spend sitting in front of the computer, it also means installing
software that blocks their access to age inappropriate content. Likewise, as
a parent it's also your responsibility to guard your kids against online
interaction with adult strangers. So, don't forget to monitor you kids'
computer habits, and make an effort to practice moderation yourself!

If you're looking for a fun and educational computer activity to share with
your spouse and kids, Video Professor may have just what you're looking for.
Video Professor, headed by CEO John Scherer, produces a huge assortment of
computer learning tutorials. Each Video Professor tutorial presents three
lessons on CD-ROM. The lessons included in Video Professor's tutorials
increase in difficulty but are so easy to follow that most kids can make
their way successfully through all three lessons. Video Professor's
self-paced learning tutorials allow you and your family member to stop,
start, pause, and rewind. Choose to learn quickly or set a more leisurely
pace. What makes Video Professor learning so much fun for everyone in the
family? It's the combination of humorous storylines, whimsical graphics, and
hands-on practice with the program you've chosen to learn. For 20 years,
Video Professor has been the preferred choice of computer learners from kids
to adults, in all walks of life.

http://www.videoprofessor.com/
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