Dilemma – Linux or Windows for the kids

[zba78]

This is a serious question for which I’m seeking some sensible advice.

My (beloved) son will soon be starting nursery. There’s no doubt that soon he’ll be using computers and even getting some exposure to things like the internet.

Now here in the UK the vast majority (if not all) nurseries/schools/colleges use Windows + MS office (or MS works) by default.

So my question is that will I be putting my son at a disadvantage behind other kids by exposing him to my Linux only world at home? Surely I can’t expect a child of 3-4 to use Linux at home and Windows at school and not to get confused? Can I?

I’ve been a Linux for years but I really need to consider this carefully as my Son’s education is worth switching over for. Of course once he’s older and able to understand the difference he can learn to use both (pretty much like we have).

Your (intelligent) thoughts will be most appreciated.

[mahlerfan]

Kids learn fast, usually faster than adults!

I bet he wouldn't have a problem learning both. I didn't learn windows until grad school, and heck I'm well adjusted. Using word processors, spreadsheets, web browsers, playing games etc etc are the basics and you would pick 'em up on either linux or windows.

I don't think that a child necessarily has to know the inner details, windows environments are superficially the same if you step back. When I was a kid the first computer that I got to use alot was the Atari ST which ran TOS. Back then I couldn't even tell you what an OS was! I would have had no idea. The transition between that and Mac wasn't something that I even recall having any difficulty with. And that's probably because as a kid I never had to do anything advanced with a computer.

[fingal]

Hi - Do they really get kids using computers at nursery school? Between 3-4 years seems a little young to expose children to computers.

Having said that I understand your dilemma ... It's well documented that children who attend nursery school before mainstream education do better than children who don't.

Also, I'm old fashioned and I believe that books - and especially reading stories to children every night for at least 10-20 minutes - is very valuable. Again, studies show that children who are read to in this way do better academically later on in life.

I would teach him Windows and Linux, but only gradually. When he's older I would explain the differences to him and then let him make his own mind up. Luckily the net is fairly platform neutral. I mean, when I'm on the net at home it doesn't feel much different to being online at work, despite the underlying software.

It's not easy though. If I had a child I wouldn't want him using computers outside of the home, but I have very strong views about education.

[xxqq]

There is a kid safe LiveCD for browsing Internet:

http://bellsouthpwp2.net/w/i/wizard_rb/kid-safe/

Knoppix for Kids etc:

http://www.osef.org/

TuxPaint and TuxMath:

http://www.tuxpaint.org/

http://www.tux4kids.com/

http://www.newbreedsoftware.com/tuxmath/download/

http://tuxtype.sourceforge.net/

[zba78]

Hi - Do they really get kids using computers at nursery school? Between 3-4 years seems a little young to expose children to computers.

Indeed I was surprised, my 3 & a half year old nephew just started in nursery in Sep and they have a computer in the class.

Mind you for the last 6 months or so he's been switching on his parent's PC, logging into windows (then don't have a password so you just click on the username), double-clicking on the internet explorer icon and selecting cbeebies from the favourites menu.

Amazing how fast they pick these thing up. Which is why I don't want my son falling behind, especially when I'm a Software Engineer and can help him to develop.

[Roxoff]

Aghhhhh, dont do it. Dont get him in front of a computer, dont get him a playstation or an x-box. Kick him outside to go and play with his mates; make him play football, make friends, get a life... Quick. Before it's too late...

[bigtomrodney]

I don't think it should even be an issue. Don't even bring operating system into it. That way the child can concentrate on getting the end result rather than remembering key strokes or a sequence of clicks. Why make an issue?

I remember being taught to run simple scripts to control a turtle on an Apple II. It was great. I was only 4 at the time. The teacher was amazed when I started changing parameters and sending the turtle all over the place.

I don't program by the way, my point is that children learn fast. Let them learn objectively rather then the book learning method of repeat and recite to learn.

[fingal]

I don't program by the way, my point is that children learn fast. Let them learn objectively rather then the book learning method of repeat and recite to learn.

Hmm interesting that. I think this is my own approach to learning: to understand how ... learning by doing. After all, children assimilate entire languages as they grow; without going to night school. We educate this out of them.

[ImNeat]

I bet he'd be fine with Linux at home and Windows at school. This reminds me of families in the US that speak foreign languages - generally the children speak their native language at home, and english at school. They always seem to turn out just fine =)

[eraker]

It certainly works fine with an 8-year-old in my household. He uses a Mac at school and Linux at home. Children learn very quickly and they see no confusion in things like this. For them it is all only status quo and it's important to allow them to see lots of possibilities within that status quo.