Kids these days spend a good portion of their time tapping away on computers, surfing the Web, and messaging friends. Now they can use their home computers for much more. They can access online resources that can help them get ahead academically.
In these competitive times, many parents are seeking ways to help kids catch up at school, keep up and get ahead. They need to look no further than their computers for easily accessible and affordable learning resources.
Indeed, children who regularly use computers perform better in school, according to research by The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, which studied kids in 30 countries. The study revealed that students who used computers for more than five years scored well above average.
"Most kids today already are spending a lot of time online. The key is to help them make good use of it by finding educational resources that can give them an academic edge," said Justin Serrano, president of SCORE! Educational Centers, Inc., a leading provider of after-school and online learning programs for children in grades K through 9.
"Whether kids are struggling in school or need additional academic challenges, online learning programs are valuable tools that won't break the bank," he added.
Here are several online educational resources and learning programs that kids can access from their home computer:
* Reading Comprehension: Local libraries often have free online reading programs for children. To find out if your local library such programs go to www.publiclibraries.com.
* Online Learning: When it comes to reading and math, online programs can deliver instruction and support any time anywhere. For instance, the SCORE! Online Program (www.scorelearning.com), has more than 1,000 hours of fun lessons, delivered through a curriculum that adjusts to your child's changing skill levels. And students receive unlimited access to the online curriculum for the duration of the program. This means they can proceed at their own pace and schedule, and can login anywhere. In addition to offering affordable after-school programs SCORE! is helping parents save for college through a partnership with UPromise, which sets aside some of the costs of after-school programs into college savings accounts.
* Science, History and Art: Explore the world without leaving home. The Smithsonian, the national museum and education complex, offers two Web sites where children can play while learning about science, nature, history, art, and culture. Visit www.smithsonianeducation.org/student and www.si.edu/kids.
* Current Events: Many news sites that adults visit are not necessarily kid-friendly. There are several news and current events sites geared especially for kids, parents and teachers, such as studentnewsnet.com and sciencenewsforkids.org.
Surprisingly, the majority of most children's learning takes place outside the classroom. According to Computers for Youth, a nonprofit organization, only 13 percent of children's time is spent in class.
For more information on online educational resources, visit www.scorelearning.com.
"Computers can help equip children with the tools they need to succeed academically, as long as parents are involved in their choices," stressed Justin Serrano, president of SCORE! Educational Centers, Inc.
The online learning programs can be accessed by children across the country and can also be supplemented by in-center tutoring programs in your community, such as those from SCORE! Educational Centers, which operates nearly 80 centers in eight states and the District of Columbia.