We live in a highly computerized world, and while those of us born in the 1990s or earlier have experienced a period when such technologies were not yet widespread, children today come into the world with them virtually under their arm.

These are digital natives, who from a very early age have access to a great number of possibilities arising from the use of new technologies (something which on the one hand has positive effects but at the same time also has not so favourable and even dangerous repercussions).

But the truth is that although the use of computers is highly widespread, even those born today need someone to teach them how to use it responsibly: us. That is why throughout this article we are going to talk about computers for children , and various tricks or tips to help them learn to use a computer.

Some tips for teaching computer skills to children

Here are some tips to help you bring computers closer to children , so that they can learn to use a PC. However, you must bear in mind that depending on the age, level of development or even the interests of the child, the way and pace of learning can vary enormously.

1. Start with the basics: introduce the computer and the different components

This advice may seem obvious and even stupid, but many people assume that any child already knows and understands directly what a computer is. And just as with adults, there is a great deal of variability in terms of prior knowledge.

Before going on to assess how to use it it is necessary for children to understand what a computer, a mouse, or a keyboard is . Also what its usefulness is and what it allows us to do, and basic measures for handling and caring for the material (for example, not throwing water on it).

2. Uses language appropriate to their age and level of understanding

We must not forget that we are talking about children, so the ability to understand details and technical elements will generally be inferior to that of an adult with computer skills. It is necessary to adjust the type of language : it may be necessary to use analogies and comparisons with elements that children know from their daily life and to gradually integrate new knowledge.

3. Train them to use a mouse and keyboard

Something very basic that children must start to learn in order to be able to successfully use a computer is to use the main instruments that we use to control it: mouse and keyboard.

It should be noted that depending on the age at which they are taught to manage them , motor control can be more or less precise . In this sense we can show them how to move the mouse so that we can move the cursor around the screen, and then teach them to click with it. It is possible that this can become, at least at the beginning, a little game for the child.

As far as the keyboard is concerned, knowing how to use it requires first of all understanding the alphabet and showing how each key generates a different letter, symbol or number. It is useful to start with the letters and/or numbers that the child knows, to gradually increase the use of the rest of the keyboard.

Other key keys to show them are space, Enter and Escape. Keep in mind that learning to use the keyboard is a process that does not take place in a day: we must not overwhelm the child if we see that he or she is overwhelmed , because even though an adult used to using it may seem logical to someone who has never used it, it can be quite a challenge.

4. Start using a program

Another first step that someone who starts with computers must master is the concept of a program or application, as well as learning how to open and close it. In this sense first we will have to define the concept and teach the child to look for it in the computer .

Then we have to make him understand that these programs can be opened and closed, and also that what they do can be saved. Little by little we are going to show them these operations and help them to do them themselves.

5. Encourage drawing with Paint

A lot of kids love to draw. In this sense, programs such as Paint can be very useful to encourage and increase the child’s ability to apply previous knowledge, while at the same time increases the ability to use the mouse and keyboard . We can also download an image that the child can follow.

6. Install and use educational games

Learning to use a computer doesn’t have to be heavy and boring. It can be useful to install different types of games available on the Internet or purchased , often with themes and characters from series known to them or generated with the purpose of encouraging learning to use a computer.

It must be taken into account that there are also educational games that allow the child not only to have fun and learn to use the PC but also to increase his or her level of knowledge or skill in areas such as detecting and following up on specific stimuli, concentration, precision in motor control or the use of language or mathematics.

7. Use the word processor

One way that children can learn to use the keyboard and at the same time learn to handle one of the most common uses of a computer is to teach them to open and use a word processor, such as Microsoft Word or even Notepad .

We can suggest that you write down your name, a favorite object, color or animal, or tell us how your day went and try to write it down with our help. If you are a little older, we can suggest that you write a letter or a greeting.

8. Explore with them

Perhaps one of the most important pieces of advice is the fact that the more children learn about computers, the higher the quality of their learning.

Helping them to explore the field of computers will not only allow us to show them how to use a computer itself: we are showing them something new and unknown, in such a way that it can become a small adventure while generating an interaction that allows us to strengthen the interpersonal bond with them . It also allows the child to see how the reference figure interacts with computers.

9. Set limits

Computing is a very useful tool, but as we all know it also has its risks and disadvantages. It is necessary to establish limits as to what can and cannot be done with the computer, as well as how long they can stay with it. Beyond these limits it may be necessary to install some kind of parental control to prevent them from accessing content that is inappropriate for their age, or from coming into contact with people they do not know.

10. Uses the Internet

Sooner or later, children will have to learn to use the Internet. In this sense it is necessary to make them understand not only what it is but also its potential uses and risks, and it is advisable to have some kind of filter or parental control installed to prevent access to websites that are not recommended. To learn how to use it it can be useful to explain what a browser or search engine is , and to use some of their hobbies to be able to search for them on the Internet.

11. Explain the risks

Another aspect to bear in mind is the need to explain to children not only the advantages of using new technologies, but also their risks: if they do not know that their use has certain dangers, it will be difficult for them to employ strategies to prevent them. It is not a question of frightening them but of making them see that caution must be exercised in the use of new technologies.

12. Make the experience fun

Finally, a fundamental piece of advice for a child to relate positively to computers is the fact that he or she should consider learning to use them as something desirable, fun and that implies positive contact with his or her references.

This will encourage the young person to learn , while on the contrary if we are critical of their skills or try to force them to learn to do things at a certain pace and in a certain way it is quite likely that they will end up rejecting not only the use of the computer but also our indications (and warnings) about it.

Bibliographic references:

  • UNESCO (2006). International Standard Classification of Education. ISBN 92-9189-037-5.