With so much software on the market these days choosing the best
games, learning activities, and other computer materials for your kids
can be tough. Sure you want your kids to have fun. But the best software
should do much more than just entertain. And you certainly don’t want to
waste your money by purchasing something that isn’t developmentally
appropriate for your children.

So how can you be sure you’re making wise choices when it comes to
software?

For starters, read reviews of any software you’re thinking about buying.
You’ll find reviews in a variety of places. Many computer and parenting
magazines feature new reviews in each issue, and online software
companies usually provide reviews of any products they carry. But aside
from that, consider these five elements when choosing software for your
kids:

1) Educational Value - Most good software programs explain the skills
the program teaches or reinforces. You’ll want to make sure a variety of
skills are taught with any program you purchase. Also make certain the
learning activities are age and developmentally appropriate for your
kids. If you aren’t sure what this means, this is where reviews will help,
and look for software packages that contain a user’s manual which gives
basic information about child development as it relates to the software.
And, of course you’ll want to choose programs that encourage creativity,
imagination, and exploration.

2) Design Features - First, you’ll want a program that is easy to install
and has several playing options. For example, a SAVE option so the
game or activity can be saved each time the child plays it, and maybe
even a PRINT option so the child can print out portions of his work. Next,
check to see that the program offers the learner (your child) clear
directions and on- screen help. If your child is a pre-reader you’ll want
the software to include icons or audio directions, as well. Finally, look for
outstanding graphics and a program that offers animation and sound.
After all, computer programs are competing with television for your
child’s attention and interest every day, so they must look and sound as
appealing as possible.

3) Fun Appeal - If kids don’t like a program it doesn’t matter how
educational it is. Again, read reviews to see what other kids and parents
say about it. Also, check to see that the program offers positive feedback
and methods for teaching children that could not be experienced in a
different media (through books or by the teacher at school, for example).

4) Value vs. Cost - Some programs can seem quite expensive, yet
they’re really a good value because they can be used over and over
again (without the child losing interest), plus they teach or reinforce a
variety of skills. Also, most high quality games and actitivites offer a
variety of levels appropriate and interesting for children of many different
ages.

5) Scary Images and/or Violence - Emily J. Johnson, Ph.D, assistant
professor of psychology at the University of Wisconsin in La Crosse,
advises parents to “avoid scary images and violent themes found in
some software. Some children have particularly difficult times with scary
images - even if you don’t see them as scary. And regarding violence - it
isn’t that the child will necessarily turn around and become violent, too,
but he/she learns that violence is a way to solve problems. Plus, do you
really want your children ‘killing off bad guys’ just to learn a math
concept, for example?’”

Computer games and activities are quickly becoming part of the
educational experiences at childcare centers and schools across the
country. Talk to your children’s teachers to see which programs they
recommend, and also find out which programs your children are using
at school. There may be other programs you can purchase that would
coordinate well with these.

Donna Nelson, M.Ed., preschool teacher at the Francis Institute Child
Development Center in Kansas City, says, “the best type of computer
programs for young children are ones that offer a child many choices
and many ways to get to the right answer.” And Linda Bell, M.S.,
Coordinator of the Francis Institute, reminds us that “wise parents and
teachers will view computer programs as another tool to use to help
children learn - and not use them as a replacement for other
developmentally appropriate activities.”

Once you get the hang of it, choosing the best software for your kids
shouldn’t be that difficult. It just requires a little time and research.

Suzanne Lieurance is a freelance writer, children’s author, and owner of
the Three Angels Gourmet Co.

Find out more about her children’s books at http://www.suzannelieurance.com or read her daily food tips at http://www.threeangelsgourmet.blogspot.com

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Online games have become rapidly popular over the last few years. In fact, it has become a multi-billion dollar industry. These massive virtual worlds provide a realistic, engaging environment in which people can play and interact. It has been a fertile ground for gamers from all walks of life to come together. As a result, these games have produced large and vibrant online communities.

In these virtual worlds, you can choose an avatar or character that represents you. The latest games offer the ability to customize these characters in unlimited ways; you can change your character’s hairstyle, facial features, size, weight, and clothing. How about the ability to change your voice to match your online personality? That is currently not a standard feature in games. But I do see technology stepping in and providing a solution.

Think of the possibilities: gamers could now change their voice to sound like a troll, giant, dwarf or dark lord. They’ve spent many hours making their online character to look a certain way, why not change their voice to match? It is products like MorphVOX by Screaming Bee that can fill this need. MorphVOX is voice-changing software specifically designed for online games. This tool allows gamers to role-play more effectively. Not only can they look the part, they can also have a voice to match.

Voice communication in games has been around for quite some time, but only recently has gained popularity in online games. Much of this may have to do with the increase in the number of people who now have broadband Internet connections instead of dial-up. This provides the extra precious bandwidth to cover an additional voice channel. As voice chat is becoming increasingly prevalent in online game use, companies like Xfire, TeamSpeak, and Ventrillo have emerged to meet the needs.

One company, Xfire, demonstrates the popularity of voice chat. Xfire provides a free application that can be used by gamers to easily find friends online and communicate in game. Starting in 2004, the company’s market share has rapidly grown to almost four million users.

Many gamers are finding voice chat to be a superior way to communicate as opposed to the slower process of typing messages on a keyboard. If a monster jumps out, there is no need for fumbling with the keys when you need to shout for help. Voice chat also lets gamers coordinate large groups of people effectively in large raids.

What about role-playing and voice communication? There is some reluctance to use voice communication in online role-playing games. Much of this issue stems from the lack of good voice-changing tools in the past that can work effectively with games. In addition, there is less control of good content on voice chat. External noises, such as other people talking in the same room, are very distracting and can’t be easily masked over a microphone. Also, some less helpful gamers could use voice chat to taunt or annoy other people, who may be unable to turn off an in-game voice channel. And role-playing over live voice communication poses a challenge for most people of finding the right thing to say at the right time. Most of us aren’t very good at extemporaneous acting - improvising in real-time.

However, new online games such as Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) provide in-game voice capabilities that are adding a new life to role-playing. Many people are now starting to adopt voice chat as an important part of their in-game experience. As games like DDO become more common, I foresee brighter days ahead for voice communication. By providing a rich auditory experience, voice chat will improve realism for gamers. This is part of the never-ending process of adding more immersion to these virtual worlds.

Mark Ramirez is CEO and co-founder of Screaming Bee LLC, a leading provider of voice software and solutions for online games and messenger applications. For more information visit: http://www.screamingbee.com

Copyright and Trademark Information:
MorphVOX is a trademark of Screaming Bee LLC. Xfire is a trademark of Xfire, Inc. Dungeons & Dragons Online is a trademark of Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

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