Kiddix Corner

Education 2.0: Top Online Learning Resources

2007-08-11T12:17:00.000-07:00

Kiddix was mentioned in Wired, in the top 10 online learning resources.

From the Article:

Kiddix
If you want to protect your kids from online threats while giving them a hand up on the educational ladder, why not give them an operating system tailored to their needs? Kiddix is a good start. Its colorful, simplified interface is easier for kids to pick up on their own than Windows or OS X. The Linux-based OS is secure, so malware won't get in the way of your kids' computer learning experiences. And it's got built-in parental monitoring tools too.

WIRED Packed with kid-appropriate software: A safe browser, an illustration-heavy word processor, e-mail and several instructive, just plain-wacky games starring the famed Tux penguin.

TIRED Some of the educational games might be a tad too easy for older children.

Kiddix Computing makes the Internet safe and fun for children

2007-08-10T13:27:00.000-07:00

Kiddix Computing in Pop City Media

“A parent can parent a child on the computer without always watching over their shoulder,” says Gualtieri

Promoting Child Safety with Computers

2007-08-10T13:26:00.000-07:00

Computer technology that provides parents with customized safety information can be an effective way to help their children avoid injury.

Keeping children safe as they learn to use the computer

2007-08-10T13:22:00.000-07:00

Just as caring adults have a responsibility to keep kids safe as they learn to cross the street, we have a responsibility to keep them safe as they begin to navigate online.

A Structured Program for Kids on the Computer

2007-08-10T13:20:00.000-07:00

Kimbery L. Keith has come up with a structured but fun plan for kids to get the most from summer computer play.

Tux Goes to Elementary School

2007-08-10T12:56:00.001-07:00

Kiddix was mentioned in Wired. Here is a clip from the article.

It's common knowledge that getting kids excited about computers and technology is the best way to get them excited about learning.

Kiddix Computing has come up with a Linux-based operating system designed especially for children aged 5-10. All of the icons for applications are situated around the edge of the desktop. There's e-mail, a browser, an office suite, a paint program and some games (both educational and just plain fun). All are built with open-source code, and everything has a user interface designed for kids. You can test it out with a Flash demo at Kiddix's site.

Should MySpace be banned from libraries?

2007-05-14T11:41:00.000-07:00

A student at Elon College says no in a letter to the Raleigh Chronicle.

Geek Squad's Top Five Threats

2007-05-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

New England's Seacoast Online has posted a few lesser-known security risks from the experts at Geek Squad. Below is a great example of one such program:

Arhiveus.A: Encrypts your "My Documents" directory and requires that you shop at their online pharmacy (seriously) in exchange for the key.

Great safety tips

2007-04-30T11:19:00.000-07:00

The Mount Prospect School District in Illinois has some excellent safety tips on its website, including:

Presentation handout
Lingo of instant messaging(IM)
More IM lingo
i-Parenting Tips
Safeguarding Children on the Internet
Digital Citizenship Quiz
Parent-Child agreement

Is Wi-Fi dangerous?

2007-04-30T07:35:00.000-07:00

The BBC reports on the potential dangers of wireless internet.

Central CA detectives honored

2007-04-30T07:16:00.000-07:00

Two central California detectives have been responsible for over 100 child pornography arrests. Detectives Michael Prado and Kevin Wiens were recently given National Exploited Children's Law Enforcement Awards by Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.

"When we show up on their doorsteps with our badges, they know what we're there for," Wiens said. "You can see it in their eyes."

Preschoolers and computers

2007-04-30T06:55:00.000-07:00

Allan Hoffman, technology columnist for the NJ Star-Ledger, believes kids have plenty of time to get acquainted with the joys of technology.

The digital divide runs through Jacksonville

2007-04-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

An elementary school outside Jacksonville, Florida plans to offer separate classes for children with their own laptops. The Times-Union reports on the debate...

"If they want their child to be in the technology-focused classes, parents were required to check a box committing to purchasing a laptop and keeping it in good condition."

Hints and Tips from Kiddix Computing

2007-04-25T11:31:00.000-07:00

Four helpful articles from the Kiddix Computing website:

TV Turn-off Week

2007-04-25T09:55:00.000-07:00

It's TV Turn-off Week. This might be a good time to review the pros and cons of technology for kids. See the "Good News.../Bad News..." sidebars of this lengthy article for a summary.

The "Lego Rule" for violent games

2007-04-24T11:53:00.000-07:00

Clive Thompson outlined the "Lego Rule" in an article from Wired magazine:

The Lego Company, it seems, has a policy of not producing toys that replicate 20th century weapons. "You can have swords, and you can have laser guns in space, but no actual 20th century guns," Anderson says. So his four children can play games like Halo, since it contains only futuristic, fantasy war, where you're killing only green- or blue-blooded aliens. The same goes for Roman swordplay titles. "But it clearly walls off Grand Theft Auto."

Tech execs' tips for kids

2007-04-24T10:22:00.000-07:00

The San Jose Mercury News ran this article explaining the steps McAfee, Symantec, Juniper Networks, and Cisco executives take to keep their kids safe online.

Not surprisingly, the industry experts implement a lot more restrictions than most parents.

"Being in the tech industry, I looked both of them in the eye and said, `I can find out anything you do on this computer after you've done it.' Not that we think they're going to try, but we don't want them to feel like the Web is a place where you can hide or do things that are wrong."