Internet Beat
by Cathy Beicker

T.V. or Internet?

Television ­­ the media box that is guiding our society ­­ or is it?? Today's kids watch more T.V. than we would like to know. We all know how harmful it is for teenagers to spend hour upon hour glued to this hypnotic devise. But, what else is there to pull our children off the couch and into real brain activity? Well, how about the Internet? As parents you've heard of it and worry about the cost of it. But let's consider what it has to offer your child.

First, information ­­ there's lots of it on the Internet. Recently, my son, Clint, turned 15 and thought it was time to start looking for a vehicle. Without any hesitation, Clint went to the computer and accessed a web site that gave him a list of trucks and cars for sale ­­ http://www.traderonline.com It became so much more evident to me that his generation will accomplish tasks much differently than we did. The internet accomodates kids' time schedules so that they can shop when it is convenient for them. This generation needs to learn how to "surf", if they are to survive in the twenty­first century.

Secondly, it's probably impossible for anyone to browse the Web and not learn something. Television can't say that! Many kids watch television everyday and can't tell you anything they've learned. Most of that is because T.V. is a passive form of entertainment. You do not have to be alert or involved to watch it. However, on the Internet, you have to be involved ­­ there's no other way! And when you're involved, you are going to learn something!

Thirdly, the Internet offers your child a different means of communication. They can meet people of all ages, races, and places. The friends they make on the Internet can be a friend for a day, a week, or a lifetime. The communication that goes on between your child and another on the Internet can be very educational. Yes, there is small talk, but there is much to be gained when you meet someone who lives somewhere else and has different experiences. Kids can meet other kids by entering chat rooms. Through America On­Line you can pick a topic and communicate with other people throughout the United States who have picked the same topic. From within these chat rooms, children can meet other children and begin a pen­pal type of relationship. This pen­pal communication is called "e­mail". This is just another example of how kids from the 21st century will be doing things different from their parents.

Fourthly, the Internet gives your child a chance to be creative and interactive. A child can create his own web page and offer information to others around the world. Kids can pick graphics, text, backgrounds, and set up links that will illustrate them on the Web. What an exciting adventure ­­ a great way to build self­esteem! As a parent, you may wonder how your child may learn all these skills. Don't worry!! If kids want to learn how to get on the Internet or how to make a web page, there are plenty of people in Seguin to help them. At present, there are 97 Seguinites on America On Line and plenty of general computer users that would love to share their knowledge. So, if you want to learn, there's plenty of "teachers" right here in Seguin. Those teachers may be considerably younger than you; but what a joy they are to learn from!

Lastly, the Internet can give your child some personal freedom. The television remote may give your child some personal power, but nothing like the control your child has as he browses through the Web. Advertisers on T.V. wonder if you get up and grab a snack while they are presenting their product. However, on the Internet, when you go to an advertiser, you probably have an interest in their product. The Internet gives you a chance to ask questions to the advertisers and navigate through plenty of information. That information can be scanned or absorbed by your child. Whichever method your child picks to learn is still more beneficial than a T.V. ad.

So, how do you start? Well, a good way to begin is to get an Internet provider. America On­Line was our family's choice. Then, where do you go? There's so much out there! Well, we purchased several subscriptions to computer/Internet magazines. We got several Internet addresses and went on our new adventure. There are some great magazines that would be quite helpful if you are just beginning. Our choices were:

MacWorld

MacAuthority

Internet World

Classroom Connect

The last two listed are the best choices to begin with. The one listed last, Classroom Connect, had 8 pages of addresses available to children for the summer. They were catagorized by subject area ­­ Science, Sports, Math, Olympics, etc. What a great way to begin! All of these magazines are great sources of Internet information.

After "surfing the net" for a while, you will find more uses for the Internet than you ever dreamed possible. The Internet has much to offer your child ­­ information, communication, active entertainment, and personal power. Turn off the TV and turn on the Internet ­­ There's lots to be learned!!