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What could be the best way to introduce the world of computers to a kid, let's say of 6 years old, so that he learns to handle it like a toy and stops dreading it like some esoteric, arcane and (thebrainbin.org)
submitted 10 months ago by to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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What could be the best way to introduce the world of computers to a kid, let's say of 6 years old, so that he learns to handle it like a toy and stops dreading it like some esoteric, arcane and recondite machine from some eldritch, enigmatic, cryptic and phantasmal world ?

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[–] 13 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (26 children)

6 years old is a bit young because at that age, they need a reason to engage with anything.

Games might be a place to start, but a kid will think "tablet is easier". Same with music or videos.

Art is another place to start, but even then, why computers?

You need to wait until they have an idea or goal they want to accomplish, then maybe use it as an illustrative tool. In most cases for kids though, a PC is unnecessary with phones and tablets being so prevalent with an easier to grasp UI/UX.

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  • [–] 11 points 10 months ago* (2 children)

    That's why I think this is such a good question. How can we incorporate (linux) computers more in the digital literacy of children so they don't fall victim to the golden cages of android and ios before they develop the maturity to understand what a handicap it is.

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  • [–] 1 point 10 months ago (4 children)

    Games might be a place to start, but a kid will think "tablet is easier".

    If you play RTS games it's really hard to do it without mouse and keyboard, so that's a point for a desktop or laptop

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  • [–] 1 point 10 months ago (16 children)

    I mean I installed commodore os vision recently and I was like " I would have lost my mind if id had this at 6, there is so much you can do, with no internet!!" I got into computers at 5, and had no internet until probably 15 ish.

    So id give a kid a pc with commodore os on it. It comes pre-installed with programming apps and games and drawing programs for kids too. Its awesome.

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  • [–] 3 points 10 months ago (14 children)

    You aren't your children though. They experience better technology literally all the time.

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  • [–] 2 points 10 months ago* (13 children)

    Sure but "better" is subjective. Newer, sure. A ps5 game isnt inherently more fun than an n64 game. Im not a fan of new=good.

    Also, it should be noted phones and tablets purely exist to consume, consume, consume. They're not for creation; a computer is.

    I think any kid interested in learning would find all aspects of computing cool, not just an ipad. Just like how I can have fun on a 2600, and also my gaming pc. Its all interesting and fun. I think kids just aren't exposed to anything other than the shiny new ad filled dlc ridden consoles that get pushed now. There's so much out there especially if you get into custom handhelds or ras pi etc.

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  • [+] -7 points 10 months ago* (12 children)

    It is very much subjective. Are you serious?

    If you grew up with keyboards and mice, that has all been removed as a barrier to interaction with computers.

    You're insane if you think your old way of doing things is somehow "better" or meaningful.

    I bet you're also trying to force your kids to listen to YOUR music and tell them why it's better then their choices, right??

    Grow up.

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  • [–] 5 points 10 months ago (1 child)

    Newer absolutely does not mean better.

    This is why we are seeing a return to old household items. People are realizing that Teflon and cartridge razors and Tupperware aren't really as great as we thought they were. We just grew up familiar with them because that's what everyone used, so they must be better, right?

    This is all because boomers and the "greatest generation" were really easy to market to when TVs came into homes. People weren't ready for that level of advertisement.

    I don't think we'll see a return to punch cards, but I don't see keyboard/mouse ever going away.

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  • [–] 4 points 10 months ago (4 children)

    My point is, you seem to think that the new way is better, with everything touchscreen. Just because it's new doesn't mean it's better. People thought Teflon and cartridge razors were better too. Turns out they were just brainwashed.

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  • [–] 0 points 10 months ago (3 children)

    I'm saying KIDS do. Especially younger kids. Clearly started in my original comment.

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  • [–] 5 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) (2 children)

    Kids think whatever they're exposed to.

    Neither of my kids use their tablets anymore after having/getting access to a laptop. They were a little confused, at first, since the town uses touchscreen Chromebooks for K-1, but they got used to it, since none of my laptops have a touchscreen. Now they view touchscreens as being for babies. Like that kid in BTTF2 with the lightgun..."You mean you have to use your hands?"

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