Raising children in a computer age

Ebony, May, 1996 by Muriel L. Whetstone

In the last 20 years, computer, electronic and space technologies have multiplied at a break-neck pace, greatly complicating the way African-Americans work, play and learn. Given these and other developments, including downsizing and the fierce competition for spaces in top colleges and universities, there is a growing consensus among experts that parents and educators must expose students to computer technology as early possible. Eventually, according to experts, computer literacy and math and science mastery will be so important that students who lack these skins will be at a definite disadvantage - in the classroom and in the workplace.

Ramona H. Edelin, president and chief executive officer of the National Urban Coalition in Washington, D.C., says that in the 21st century, "to be literate in mathematics, science and technology will he as important as it used to be for baby boomers and the generations before us to be well-versed in the three Rs."

Dr. Edelin and other experts say it's never too early to begin exposing children to computers. Many preschoolers, like 4-year-old Joseph Mason II, who lives with his family in a Chicago suburb, are learning their ABCs with the help of specifically designed computer games. His parents, Joseph and Denise Mason, report that the family's computer makes learning fun for him and his 10-year-old sister, Erin.

"I really do think we're preparing them for technical careers and management types of situations." says Joseph Mason. "I also think one of the things the computer offers [the children] is an opportunity to manage their workloads. Managers need to be organized, and they need to be able to have a feel for technology."

To meet these needs, there has been a sharp increase in the number of computer games designed to make learning fun for children as young as 3 years old. Many major department stores and, of course, computer outlets are loaded with relatively inexpensive games designed for just about any age group and educational and entertainment need. Computer games are so popular, in fact, that many children collect them like their grandparents once collected dolls and baseball cards.

Dillon and Clevette Ridguard of Burtonsville, Md., estimate that their children, 10-year-old Jonathan and Destiny, 7, probably have more than a dozen computer games for use on their family's computer. "We're trying to make them competitive," says Clevette Ridguard. "We're preparing them to be current and able to compete with other people of their generation."

Dillon Ridguard adds: "Clearly, computers are going to become a lot more pervasive. I think it gives them a pretty good familiarity with the concepts and the environment and the automation of different [computer] functions."

Experts also advise parents to consider enrolling their children in one of the many computer camps located around the country when they're planning activities for school breaks and summer vacations. Many school districts also offer supplemental Saturday classes like the one Jonathan Ridguard attends. He takes weekend computer, engineering and math classes.

Computer camps and supplemental classes are also good alternatives when parents cannot afford a home computer. Parents should check with their children's teachers for recommendations of programs in their area. "It isn't necessary to have a high-technology laboratory [in your home] in order to become prepared in math and science," Dr. Edelin says. "There are many creative, exciting and fun ways that families can work with children to instill the basic principles."

For instance, the National Urban Coalition work with a national network of schools, libraries, churches and community-based organizations in an effort to expose urban youngsters, their parents and teachers to a computer-literacy, math and science program it calls Say Yes To A Youngster's Future.

The future awaiting 11-year-old Kelanie Redmond of University Park, Ill., is nothing like what her parents, Marvin and Nadolyn Gary, imagined for themselves. And while they aren't sure what career field she will choose, they're almost certain she will need computer skills to succeed in it. "When I was a girl," Nadolyn Gary says, "everyone wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer. You kind of knew what the options were - or at least we thought we knew - but Kelanie's options are going to be endless."

Raising children in a computer age may seem like a daunting task, but educators advise parents not to let the job become intimidating. Make sure your children are exposed early to computers, either at school, at home or in their communities. Then encourage and reward their efforts. Their natural curiosity will do the rest.