Kids@computers - RESOURCE GUIDE for Kids, Teens and Parents

RESOURCE GUIDE
for Kids, Teens and Parents
kidsatcomputers.ca
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4
kids@computers Scholarship Project
Project Partners
5
kids@computers Useful Websites
What is the Internet?
7
What can you do on the internet?
Homework
8
Email Social Networking
Downloading
9
Internet Safety for Kids and Teens
10
Tips to Stop Cyberbullying
11
Internet Safety Tips for Parents
e-Parenting Tutorial: Keeping up with your kids’ online activities
Online Safety
What is Cyberbullying?
12
What Should I do if My Child is Targeted?
How can I Prevent Cyberbullying?
Safety & Social Networking
13
Kids contract
14
Teen Contract
15
Parent Contract
16
Exploring SmartSaver - Apply for Free Education Money!
17
Exploring the Toronto Public Library
What is in it for you?
Exploring Toronto Parks Forestry & Recreation
What is in it for you?
18
Exploring Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs
What is in it for you?
19
Glossary
23
Resources & Websites For Kids
kidsatcomputers.ca
3
KIDS@COMPUTERS SCHOLARSHIP PROJECT
The City of Toronto's kids@computers Scholarship Project has
been awarding computers and internet access to children
of low-income families in Toronto since 2001.
This unique scholarship project has two goals:
• To provide children from low-income families with home computers,
giving them the chance to share the opportunities that kids in many
other families enjoy.
• Tohelpchildrengaintheknowledge,skillsandconfidenceneededto
succeed in today’s world.
Over the years, this project has been consistently recognized within the
public sector for leadership and innovation.
Project Partners
The kids@computers Scholarship Project would not be possible
without the generous support of our partners: Toronto Employment
and Social Services; Toronto Public Library; Toronto Parks Forestry
and Recreation; Toronto Kiwanis Boys & Girls Clubs; Toronto Fire Services.
For more information on our scholarship program, please visit our website
at kidsatcomputers.ca
kidsatcomputers.ca
4
Using the internet is an important part of everyday life. People use the internet for
learning, creating and connecting with friends and family. Navigating the web can
sometimesbedifficult.
Inthisbookletyouwillfindsomevaluableideasonhowtousetheinterneteffectively,
and to make sure that you and your family do not get into trouble online.
USEFUL WEBSITES
TheWebcanbealotoffun,butsometimesfindingyourwayaroundcanbehard.The
kids@computers page on the Kidspace site has a lot of great hints and help for you to
findyourwayaroundtheWebsafely.
Be sure to check out the kids@computers Challenge!
Find us on Kidspace at torontopubliclibrary.ca/kac
Click the “Links”
hyperlink to access the
Useful Websites
Click on “START” to
take the Challenge!
kidsatcomputers.ca
5
WHAT IS THE INTERNET?
The internet is:
•
Electronicpagescontainingtext,pictures,sound,video,musicorsoftware
•
Linkstositesfordownloadingorusinggames,music,software
•
Placestocommunicatewithotherpeoplebyemail,instantmessagingorchat
Software on your computer called a Web Browser like Firefox or Internet Explorer lets you
connect to sites on the web.
A very simple way of imagining the internet is to think of it as millions of computers, all sharing
information with one another.
The internet makes this communication very quick, and it means you can send information
anywhere in the world almost instantly.
WHAT CAN YOU DO ON THE INTERNET?
There are thousands of things you can do on the internet. The internet offers:
•
Hugeamountsofup-to-dateinformationaboutanysubjectyoucanthinkof
•
Helpwithhomeworkorresearch
•
Fun,entertaininggames
•
Music,videosandinformationabouthobbies,sports,andthingstodo
•
Opportunitiestoshareideasandcommunicatewithotherpeople
kidsatcomputers.ca
6
HOMEWORK
Oneimportantuseoftheinternetistodoresearch.Youcanusetheinternettofindamovie
review, a phone number, or to catch up with the latest news. Adults may use the internet to
look for jobs or volunteer opportunities.
You can even do research on topics that interest you. If you really like outer space, sports, or
comic books, there are lots of great websites you can look at online.
There are so many websites out there. While some websites might have really good
information on them, others may have really old or inaccurate information. This is why it is
important to know a little bit about a website that you are looking at before you trust the
information on it.
How do you know which websites to look at?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Knowwhatyouarelookingfor.
Whoputthisinformationontheinternet?
Whenwasitputthere?Isthereadateonthepage?
Istheinformationmeanttobeserious,orisitajoke?
Howdoyouknowwherethisinformationcomesfrom?
Istheinformationbiased?Doesitgiveonlyoneopinion?Aretherelinkstoother
sources?
Whoistheinformationmeantfor?
Whattypeofinformationisit?Isitscientificoramateurlevel?
The Toronto Public Library has bought some wonderful information for you to use online. Just
as we buy books for the library, we buy these encyclopaedias and other databases. That is
why you will need a library card to use them.
Check out KidsSpace,”Four Steps to a Successful Research Project”:
kidsspace.torontopubliclibrary.ca/research.html
Email
What is e-mail? In its simplest form, e-mail is an
electronic message sent from one computer
to another. You can send or receive messages
with attachments, such as pictures or formatted documents. You can even send music and
computer programs.
Just as a letter makes stops at different postal
stations along its way, e-mail passes from one
computer, known as a mail server, to another
as it travels over the Internet. Once it arrives at the destination mail server, it is stored in an
electronic mailbox until the recipient retrieves it. This whole process can take seconds,
allowing you to quickly communicate with people around the world at any time of the day
or night.
kidsatcomputers.ca
7
Social Networking
Social Networking is a great way to keep
in touch with friends and family. You
can leave messages for friends, share
interesting links or information, and post
photos and videos.
Facebook is the most popular social
networking site for Canadian teens.
Other sites like LinkedIn focus on work
relations; sites like Flixster or Pinterest deal
withspecificinterests.
Twitter is another popular social
networking site. It connects you to the
latest stories, ideas, opinions and news
aboutwhatyoufindinteresting.
Downloading
Did you know?
Using illegal sites and file-sharing programs can be risky
Usingillegalfile-sharingprogramsexposesuserstotheriskofunwelcomecontentsuchas
viruses, pornography and violent images. File-sharing software can also compromise your
privacy and security by opening up your computer and sharing what is stored on it with the
outside world.
You could be breaking the law and face consequences.
Copyright law applies to downloading, sharing and streaming just as in the world of physical
CDsandDVDs.Ifyoumakemusic,filmorTVcontentavailabletoothersonafile-sharing
network, download from an illegal site, or sell copies without the permission of those who
own the copyright, then you are breaking the law and could face serious penalties.
Using legal sites rewards creators for their work.
Copyright laws protect those who work in the creative industries, allowing them to be
rewardedfairlyandtocontinuetocreatethemusic,filmandTVprogrammesweallenjoyso
much.
kidsatcomputers.ca
8
INTERNET SAFETY FOR KIDS AND TEENS
Internet safety is not about a bunch of rules telling you “never do this”, or trying to scare you
into safe behaviour. Internet safety is about avoiding being ripped off, disrespected, bullied,
scammed, or stalked while you are just trying to have a good time online. You do not need
to be sold on all the really great
opportunities the Internet offers,
but you do need to understand
how to avoid problems.
Every piece of information you
post, and every action you take
online has commercial value to
someone.
That is not necessarily a bad
thing. Your information helps
companies provide you ads
that are more targeted to your
interests, it helps researchers
know what kind of products to
design, and so on.
But your information is also used
in negative and sometimes
criminal ways. For example:
•
•
•
•
Bysomeonewhowants
to embarrass or bully you
Plagiaristswhowantto
claim your content as
their own
Bycompanieswhowanttouseyourinformationinwaysthatactagainstyourinterests
a Insurance companies are using information posted on blogs to deny coverage of
medical claims, car accident claims, and so on
aCompaniesmayrejectyourjobapplication,findreasonstofireyou,andsoon
Bycriminalorganizationsorindividualsbuildingprofilesofpeopletoscam,steal
identities,hijackcomputers,findinterestinghomestobreakintoorcarstosteal,
people to physically harm, and so on
As you provide information consider how it is being sold, bought, or simply taken and make
sure you are okay with potential outcomes.
LOOKBOTHWAYS Inc. © 2008
“Are you Web aware”?Completethischecklisttofindout:
For kids ages 9-12 : http://mediasmarts.ca/sites/mediasmarts/files/pdfs/tipsheet/Are-youweb-aware-checklist-ages9-12.pdf
For kids ages 13-17 : http://mediasmarts.ca/sites/mediasmarts/files/tip-sheet/are-you-webaware-checklist-ages13-17.pdf
kidsatcomputers.ca
9
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying involves the use of communication technologies such as the Internet, social
networking sites, websites, email, text messaging and instant messaging to repeatedly
intimidate or harass others.
Cyberbullying includes:
•
•
•
•
•
Sendingmeanorthreateningemailsortext/instantmessages
Postingembarrassingphotosofsomeoneonline
Creatingawebsitetomakefunofothers
Pretendingtobesomeonebyusingtheirname
Trickingsomeoneintorevealingpersonalorembarrassinginformationandsendingitto
others
rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cycp-cpcj/bull-inti/index-eng.htm
Tips to Stop Cyberbullying
•
Do not respond. If someone bullies you, remember that your
reaction is usually exactly what the bully wants. It gives him or her
power over you. Who wants to empower a bully?
•
Do not retaliate. Getting back at the bully turns you into one and
reinforces the bully’s behaviour. Help avoid a whole cycle of
aggression.
•
Save the evidence. The only good news about digital bullying
is that the harassing messages can usually be captured, saved,
and shown to someone who can help. You need to do this even if
it is minor stuff, in case things escalate.
•
Talk to a trusted adult. You deserve backup. It is always good to involve a parent but –
if you cannot – a school counsellor usually knows how to help. Sometimes both are
needed. If you are really nervous about saying something, see if there is a way to
report the incident anonymously at school.
•
Block the bully. If the harassment is coming in the form of instant messages, texts, or
profilecomments.Usepreferencesorprivacytoolstoblocktheperson.Ifitisinachat
room, leave the “room.”
•
Be civil. Even if you do not like someone, it is a good idea to be decent and not sink to
the other person’s level. Treat people the way you want to be treated.
•
Do not be a bully. You know the old saying about walking a mile in someone’s shoes;
even a few seconds of thinking about how another person might feel can put a big
damper on aggression.
•
Be a friend, not a bystander. Watching or forwarding mean messages empowers
bullies and hurts victims even more. If you can, tell bullies to stop or let them know
harassment makes people look stupid and mean. It is time to let bullies know their
behaviour is unacceptable - cruel abuse of fellow human beings. If you cannot stop
the bully, at least try to help the victim and report the behaviour.
© 2011 ConnectSafely.org
kidsatcomputers.ca
10
Ontario law includes cyberbullying as one of the offences for which a student can be
suspended or expelled from school.
Changes to the province’s Safe Schools Act were introduced to stop students from posting
comments, pictures or videos attacking another student or teacher on popular online sites
such as YouTube.
If you feel you are being threatened or intimidated, or you know someone who is, please talk
to your parents or an adult.
childnet.com/downloading/what-you-should-know.html
INTERNET SAFETY TIPS FOR PARENTS
Using the internet is an important part of everyday life. People use the internet to
communicate with one another, to look for information, do research, and even to have fun.
Inthissectionyouwillfindsomevaluableinformationtohelpparentsensureasafeand
positive online experience for their families.
e-Parenting Tutorial: Keeping up with your kids’ online activities
Take a tour of the many different web environments and activities that are popular with
children and youth.
ThisMediaSmartstutorialincludesthefollowingfivemodules:“Onlineresearchand
homework”, “Online relationships”, “Inappropriate content”, “Online marketing”, and “Too
much time online”: mediasmarts.ca/tutorial/e-parenting-tutorial-keeping-your-kids-onlineactivities
Online Safety
Having some family rules is an important way to keep your children safe online. It is important
that you agree together with your children how the internet will be used in your home.
You can talk with your children and together select and agree on the rules which are most
important to you. (Refer to the Kids, Teen and Parent Contracts at the end of this section)
What is Cyberbullying?
Cyberbullying is bullying through an electronic medium, such as a computer or cell phone.
The internet’s reach and perceived anonymity means that children who might not otherwise
initiate bullying may initiate this sort of behaviour, and an unlimited number of young people
may become bystanders who perpetuate the victimization as they read and forward
harassing messages and/or images.
kidsatcomputers.ca
11
What Should I do if My Child is Targeted?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Talktoyourchild-Letthemknowthattheycantrustyouandthattheyshouldn’tdeal
with bullying alone
Documentthebullying
Reportunwantedphonecallstextmessagestoyourserviceprovider.Askthemto
trace the call and and contact the perpetrator’s service provider
Reportcyberbullyingtosocialmediasites.Usethecontactussectionofthesiteand
ask to have any offensive material removed
Reportthebullyingtoschooladministrators.Cyberbullyingislistedasoneofthe
offences for which a student can be suspended or expelled from school, under Bill 13,
Accepting Schools Act, 2012
Reportcriminaloffences,suchasthreats,assaults,harassmentandsexualexploitation
to the local police detachment
How can I Prevent Cyberbullying?
As a large portion of cyberbullying occurs in the home, you must get better informed about
your children’s online activities. Get involved and talk to your child about behaving ethically
online.
Establish rules regarding appropriate internet use.
Urge your children to come to you as soon as they feel uncomfortable or threatened online.
Safety & Social Networking
Many people enjoy using the internet to communicate with others. Social Networking sites
allow children to be incredibly creative online, keep in touch with their friends and express
themselves using a whole range of different media, such as video, photos, music, message
boards etc.
However, it is important to recognize that while this can be fun, there are potential risks
including cyberbullying, contact by adults with a sexual interest in children and the misuse of
personal information.
There are tools on social networking sites that can help you stay in control of the information
you post. Perhaps the most important of these are the privacy settings.
It is really important that you talk to your children about these settings and help them think
about the consequences of giving too much personal information and who they could be
disclosing this information to, both now, and also in the future.
Adapted from Childnet’s Digizen www.digizen.org
ATTACHED:
KIDS CONTRACT (p.13), TEEN CONTRACT (p.14), PARENT CONTRACT (p.15)
kidsatcomputers.ca
12
Kids Contract
1. I will not give out personal information such as my address, telephone number, any pictures of
myself, parents’ work address/telephone number, or the name and location of my school without
my parents’ permission.
2. I will tell my parents right away if I come across any information that makes me feel uncomfortable
or if messages are mean or unkind to me or anyone else.
3. I will never agree to get together with someone I "meet" online without first talking to my parents. If
my parents agree to the meeting, I will be sure that it is in a public place and will bring my mother
or father with me.
4. I will never send a person my picture or anything else without first checking with my parents.
5. I will talk with my parents so that we can set up rules for going online. We will decide upon the
time of day that I can be online, the length of time I can be online, and appropriate areas for me to
visit. I will not access other areas or break these rules without their permission.
6. I will not share my internet passwords with anyone (including my best friends), except my parents.
7. I will check with my parents before downloading or installing software or doing anything that could
possibly hurt our computer or jeopardize my family’s privacy.
8. We will talk together as a family to set up rules for going online. We will decide on the time of day
and length of time for being online and the websites that are okay to visit. I will not access other
areas or break these rules without their permission.
9. I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the law.
10.I will help my parents understand how to have fun and learn things online and teach them things
about the internet, computers and other technology.
I agree to the rules set out
above.
I agree to the rules set out above.
I understand that my parent(s)
has agreed to these rules and
I agree to help my parent(s)
explore the internet with me.
I will help my child follow this
agreement and will allow
reasonable use of the internet as
long as these rules and other family
rules are followed.
Child sign here
Parent(s) sign here
Date
Date
Items 1-6 © National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Entire contract © 2005 SafeKids.com
kidsatcomputers.ca
I
13
Teen Contract
1. I will be respectful to myself and others. I will not bully and will not tolerate bullying by others.
2. I will be a good online citizen and not do anything that hurts other people or is against the
law.
3. I will not post or send pictures or other content that will embarrass me, get me into trouble or
jeopardize my privacy or security.
4. I will respect other people’s privacy and be courteous when posting photos or other content
about them.
5. I will be conscious of how much time I spend on the web, phone and other devices and will
not let use interfere with sleep, school work and face-to-face relationships.
6. If they need my help, I will assist my parents, teachers and others in their use of technology.
7. I will respect other people’s digital property and space. I will not steal, hack, or break into
anyone else’s accounts.
8. I will protect my passwords and practice good net security.
9. I will be thoughtful in my use of copy and paste. If I use anyone else’s content or images I will
quote them, give them credit and link to them if appropriate.
10. I will help create a culture of respect and tolerance at my school and among my peers.
I agree to the rules set out
above.
I agree to the rules set out
above.
I understand that my
parent(s) has agreed to
these rules and I agree to
help my parent(s) explore
the internet with me.
I will help my teen follow this
agreement and will allow
reasonable use of the internet as
long as these rules and other
family rules are followed.
Teen sign here
Parent(s) sign here
Date
Date
**Adapted from Safekids.com**
kidsatcomputers.ca
I
14
Parent Contract
1. I will get to know the services and websites my child uses. If I do not know how to use them,
I will get my child to show me.
2. I will set reasonable rules and guidelines for computer use by my children and will talk about
these rules and post them near the computer as a reminder. I will remember to monitor their
compliance with these rules, especially when it comes to the amount of time they spend on
the computer.
3. I will not overreact if my child tells me about a problem he or she is having on the internet.
Instead, we will work together to try to solve the problem and prevent it from happening
again.
4. I will try to get to know my child's online friends just as I try to get to know his or her other
friends.
I agree to the rules set out
above.
I will help my child follow
this agreement and will
allow reasonable use of the
internet as long as these
rules and other family rules
are followed.
I agree to the rules set out
above.
I understand that my
parent(s) has agreed to
these rules and I agree to
help my parent(s) explore
the internet with me.
_____________________
____________________
Parent(s) sign here
Child sign here
_____________________
_____________________
Date
Date
**Adapted from Online Safety Project 2002 and Safekids.com
kidsatcomputers.ca
I
15
EXPLORING SMARTSAVER - APPLY FOR FREE EDUCATION MONEY!
Your child’s higher education is important to you, but you may not know how you’ll be able
to afford it. Start your child’s education savings with free money from the Government of
Canada. Apply for the Canada Learning Bond. If your child was born January 1, 2004 or
after,andyouqualifyfortheNationalChildBenefitSupplement,youcouldgetyourchildup
to $2,000.
The Canada Learning Bond is a contribution that’s paid right into an eligible child’s
Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP), even if you don’t contribute any money yourself.
Visit SmartSAVER.org to get an RESP started with $0 and apply for the Canada Learning
Bond. SmartSAVER.org also has lots of great information and videos about Registered
Education Savings Plans in 16 languages.
kidsatcomputers.ca
16
EXPLORING THE TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY
Toronto Public Library is one of the world’s busiest urban public library systems. Every year,
19 million people visit our branches in neighbourhoods across the city and borrow 32 million
items.
What is in it for you?
•
•
•
•
Millionsofbooks,CD’s,videos&DVDs,andmagazinestoborrow
Internetaccessandgreatinternetresources
a
KidsSpace – Websites, fun facts, games, homework help, and kids@computers
TPL Teens – the one place to see all that’s happening for teens. Get great book
suggestions,seewhatotherteensarereading,findeventsandprograms,volun
teer opportunities, and job search resources. Check us out at TPL Teens:
torontopubliclibrary.typepad.com/teens/; Facebook.com/tplteens;
Twitter: TPLteens
a
Ontario History Quest – original letters, diaries, picture a s, documents for history
projects in grades 7-10
LeadingtoReading
a
Help with reading/writing skills and motivation for children in grades 1-6 during
the school year. Also available during July and August
YouthAdvisoryGroups
Youth, grades 7 to 12, earn community service hours, make new friends, talk
a
about books, movies, music, create library displays, and just have fun
When you have a valid Toronto Public Library card you can go to any one of the 99 libraries
and use the FREE internet computers.
How do I use the Reserve a Computer Service?
Reservations can be made in any library branch or from anywhere that you have internet
access. You will be able to reserve a computer 3 days ahead excluding the days the branch
is closed. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at
torontopubliclibrary.ca or call Answerline at 416-393-7131. To get the most current updates
on what’s happening at the library follow us on Twitter @torontolibrary.
kidsatcomputers.ca
17
EXPLORING TORONTO PARKS FORESTRY & RECREATION
The City of Toronto Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division provides high quality, accessible
recreation and leisure opportunities for Torontonians of all ages and abilities. It is also
responsible for city-owned parks and forests.
What is in it for you?
•
•
•
•
•
•
CommunityCentres
Recreationprograms
SwimmingPools
AfterSchoolRecreationCare
Trailstoexplore
Parkstoenjoy
For more information about Toronto Parks, Forestry and
Recreation programs and services, go to its homepage at:
toronto.ca/parks/
EXPLORING TORONTO KIWANIS BOYS & GIRLS CLUB
The Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs provide a safe, fun place where children and youth
can experience new opportunities, overcome barriers, build positive relationships, and
developconfidenceandskillsforlife.
They learn about being responsible individuals and are encouraged to develop their
leadership potential.
What is in it for you?
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Dedicated,trainedstaffandvolunteerswhobuildpositiverelationshipswithchildren
and youth that change the direction of many children’s lives for the better
Safe,supervisedafter-schoolcareforchildrenandyouth
Clubsthatofferchildrenaplacetochanneltheirenergyandsenseofadventureinto
challenging activities that encourage healthy living, personal growth, learning, and
community involvement
Clubsthatprovideprogramstochildrenandyouthfrompreschoolagetoyoung
adulthood, with a focus on children ages 6 – 18
SummerDayCampsthatgivechildrencarefreefunandlearningopportunities
Leadershipdevelopmentandemploymentpreparation
ManyClubsprovidemeals,emergencyshelterandothersupportstochildren,youth
and their families
For more information about the Toronto Kiwanis Boys and Girls Clubs programs and services,
go to its homepage at: believeinkids.ca
kidsatcomputers.ca
18
Glossary
Here is a list of some words that you should get to know.
Attach
To add or include a photo, music or
file when sending messages to
other people over the Internet.
Bias/Biased
A way of thinking or an opinion that
always favours one side of a story
or one opinion without looking at all
facts.
Branch
A library location and building - in
Toronto Public Library there
the
are 99 different library locations,
each with its own branch name.
Browser
A software program that lets you
view web pages (also called
websites) on the Internet, to find
text, graphics, sound, movies,
games, chat rooms and more.
Cookie
Cyberspace
Discussion Groups
Information that a website puts on
your computer so that it can
remember
something about you
later. eg. which sites you visited or
for advertising purposes.
The on-line world of computer
networks. Sometimes people will
use the word Internet and
Cyberspace to mean the same
thing.
A place on the internet where you can
share ideas and talk about things with
other people. It is different than a
social network because you usually
talk about just one thing at a time. It
can also be called Blogging.
kidsatcomputers.ca I 19
Download
A way to open and save programs,
images, audio files, or information
from another computer onto your
own computer.
E-mail
Electronic mail – a way of sending
messages from one computer to
another. You can attach photos or
files or other
information with
your message. The
message is
stored in another computer until the
person goes online to open it.
File Sharing
Lets you search and copy music,
movies and files from other people’s
computers onto to your own
computer. Beware of viruses that
can come from file sharing.
Internet
Millions of computers around the
world connected to each other by
telephone wires, cables and
satellites. Browsing the World Wide
Web, sending e-mail, chatting, and
downloading are just some of the
things you can do on the internet.
Message Board
Websites that offer message boards
allow you to post (write) notes or
comments that can be seen and
read by everyone who visit the site.
Moderator
Someone in charge of a chat room
to make sure nothing bad happens.
You cannot see that person. It is
done by the site itself.
Netiquette
Rules or manners for polite and
considerate ways to behave and
talk on the internet. .
Online Surfing
When you go on to the internet and
visit lots of websites.
kidsatcomputers.ca I 20
Privacy Policy or Privacy
Statement
This tells you how a website will use
your personal information. For
example, a
privacy policy will tell
you what information the website will
collect from you and what they might
do with that information.
Search Plan
The different steps to follow to find
information about any subject.
Search Plans can work on the
internet and at libraries.
Search Tool
A website that you can use to
search for different subjects. For
example, Bing and Google are
great examples of search tools that
you can use to help with your
school projects.
Social
Network
A way for people from all around
the world to “talk” to each other on
the Internet by typing words or
webcasting. You and your friends
can hang out to talk and share
ideas.
Software
A program with instructions for
running your computer. Can be
contained on a disk or from a
download. The instructions are
stored as bits and bytes. Microsoft
Word, a Browser, and even
computer games are examples of
software.
User Name
A nickname that you use instead of
your real name so that no one
knows who you are.
URL:
Uniform Resource Locator
The address of a website on the
internet. Located in the address bar
Virus
A computer program that is written
to
purposely damage your
computer. Your computer can get a
virus from another computer, from
disks or from the internet. You can
protect your computer from viruses
kidsatcomputers.ca I 21
by using anti-virus software and
by only down loading programs or
attachments from people and
places you trust.
WWW: World Wide Web
The web is the part of the internet
that consists of pages (documents)
linked to each other around the
world. These pages have written
information, pictures, sounds and
more.
Definitions have been adapted from the following sources:
• TekMom, Anne Savage, Copyright 1998-2004
• Mirriam-Webster, Incorporated, Copyright 1998, 1999
•
Wikipedia.org, Copyright 2004
kidsatcomputers.ca I 22
Resources
Websites for Kids
ART & DRAWING
Jackson Pollack
JacksonPollock.org
Paint like a modern master by moving your mouse and dripping across a virtual
canvas.
Crayola Digital
Crayola.com/coloring_applica
tion
Select from a special wheel containing a wide variety of marker types and
express yourself across a blank white screen
Colouring Book Pages
Coloring-book.info
Offering a huge gallery of coloring pages to download and print, this site offers
many popular characters including Hello Kitty, Winnie the Pooh, and Mr. Men
CLASSIC TOYS
LEGO Digital Designer
ldd.lego.com/
With LEGO’s free digital designer software you have the freedom to build without
restrictions and use pieces you don’t have in your collection in real life
COMICS and ANIMATION
Make Beliefs Comic Strips
MakeBeliefsComix.com
Create and write your own strips with this easy online program by author Bill
Zimmerman.
kidsatcomputers.ca I 23
GENERAL WEBSITES FOR KIDS
Scholastic Kids
Scholastic.com/Kids
Here’s a collection of online activities including drag-n-drop graphics boards and
pronunciation guides
NASA Kids
nasa.gov/audience/forkids/kidsclub/flash/in
dex.html
At the Nasa Kids Club you’ll find a guide to our solar system and a video game
called Cosmic Corridor.
National Geographics Kids
kids.nationalgeographic.com/
An amazing collection of videos, activites, games, and stories from the kids
version of National Geographic
Mom’s Minivan
MomsMinivan.com
The ideal resource for road trip fun, Mon’s Minivan has a large collection of
games, crafts, and activities for on-the-go fun.
HANDS ON Crafts For Kids
CraftsForKids.com
Hands On is the home of creative craft projects for kids 7 – 12. Instructions are
offered both as written articles and through video clips
Printables 4 Kids
Printables4Kids.com
This large directory of PDf file templates includes coloring pages, activity guides,
and craft guides all for download and printing.
PBS Kids
pbskids.org/lions
PBS Kids offers music, games, and coloring pages based on popular TV shows
for children.
kidsatcomputers.ca I 24
Nick Jr
nickjr.com
Offering e-cards, printables, crafts, and games, all based on popular Kids shows
from Nick Jr.
ILLUSIONS
Optical Illusions and Visual
Phenomena
michaelbach.de/ot/index.html
Michael Bach’s guide includes the most
popular visual mind tricks on the internet
Mystical Ball Mind Reading
MysticalBall.com
The Mystical Ball can certainly read your mind, but is it magic?
MAGIC & TRICKS
Learning Magic Tricks
Ian's Shoelace Site
learnmagictricks.org/
fieggen.com/shoelace/lacingmethods.htm
MAZES
Christopher Berg’s Giant Mazes
AmazeingArt.com
Offering large, free mazes for download and print, Christopher Berg’s collection
includes mazes that form Egyptian cats, Spanish galleons, and ancient Greek
buildings
MUSEUMS, ZOO and UNIVERSITIES
Wolf Quest
WolfQuest.org
From the Minnesota Zoo, this free online multiplayer game lets kids take on the
role of wolves. Together they can meet to form packs, mark out their own online
territories, follow virtual smells, explore trails, and work together to locate food.
The site was created for free through a grant by the National Science
kidsatcomputers.ca I 25
Foundation
sciencemuseum.org.uk/launchpad/launc
hball/
LaunchBall
From the Science Museum in London, England, Launchball challenges you to
explore the boundaries of physics by guiding a ball through 30 obstacle-filled
levels or better yet, create your own to share.
BC Science World Crafts
scienceworld.ca
Fun experiments to make at home including bubbles, jelly eyeballs, and
Cartesian divers. All from the Telus World of Science in British Columbia
Wonderville Science Alberta
wonderville.ca
Wonderville is an animated 3D town full of fun science games, interactive lessons,
videos, and downloadable challenges. Presented by the Science Alberta
Foundation
MUSIC and INSTRUMENTS
Classic Kids Records
KiddieRecords
Children’s albums from the days of vinyl, transferred over to mp3s and offered for
download free
Virtual Piano
bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks2/music/piano/index.htm
Use your mouse and give the keys a tickle. A great piano for those who have don’t
have access to one.
PAPER CRAFTS
Yamaha Motors Japan Rare Animals
and Motorcycles
yamahamotor.co.jp/global/entertainment/papercraft
/animal-global/index.html
Highly advanced and very impressive, Yamaha’s free online templates feature
detailed papers sculptures of both rare animals and cool motorcycles
kidsatcomputers.ca I 26
Paper Cars
papercars.net
Great papercraft designs for beginners, these free car templates offer models of
classics like the Mini, Continental, and VW Van
PODCASTS
StoryNory
storynory.com/
Available both in podcast form and for viewing online, StoryNory is a collection of
audio and video children’s books featuring stories from a wide range of authors
SCIENCE and MEDICINE
The Visible Body
VisibleBody.com
The Visible Body is a virtual exploration of human anatomy, using your mouse you
can fly though and zoom into a recreation of a human body, getting detailed
lessons on all of the systems and muscles you see.
EdHeads Virtual Surgery
Edheads.org
Edheads offers a selection of educational scenarios that allow you to explore the
process behind hip replacements, knee surgeries, and the workings of machinery
STORYTIME and BOOKS
International Children’s Library
icdlbooks.org
The International Children’s Digital Library offers free books to read online,
gathered from around the world and offered in a number of different languages
Online Children’s Books
Magickeys.com/books
For kids young and old, MagicKeys offers a wide collection of illustrated, online
tales from a variety of authors
kidsatcomputers.ca I 27
Shel Silverstein
shelsilverstein.com
At the official website for popular children’s author Shel Silverstein you’ll find
games, activities, and fun animations
TODDLERS and LITTLE ONES
Up to Ten
UpToTen.com
A bilingual site that offers hundreds of
right, fun, and interactive activities for
free
ABC Australia
ABC.net/children
The kids section of this TV network
page in Australia offers a wide range
of activities and content for younger
children
WEB TOYS
Talk Type
talktyper.com
Free speech to text dictation software
VOKI
voki.com
Create Speaking Avatars
kidsatcomputers.ca I 28
ADDITIONAL WEBSITES
http://www.bewebaware.ca/english/default.aspx
Be Web Aware
Facebook Security Guide
Information, tips and tools for parents to help keep
kids safe online
https://www.facebook.com/safety/attachment/Guide
%20to%20Facebook%20Security.pdf
Guide for keeping safe using Facebook
http://www.gcflearnfree.org/
GCFLearnFree.org
Internet Safety: Parents and
kids
Provides free online resources and education
opportunities for users who want to improve their
math, reading, or technology skills
http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/crimeprevention/inte
rnet.pdf
Information and brochure
http://kidclicks.org/
Kid Clicks
A safe Little Kids Search Engine that helps keep
kids safe onlin. Kid Clicks delivers safe search
results powered by Google every time you conduct
a search from their home page
http://www.kidsclick.org/
KidsClick
Kids' Rules for Online Safety
Kidsclick is a website designed by librarians for kids
(US based)
http://www.safekids.com/kids-rules-for-onlinesafety/
Top ten rules parents can use with pre-teens for
staying safe on the internet
http://mediasmarts.ca/
Media Smarts
Web Awareness resources for parents to help
maximize the benefits of the internet for your kids,
and minimize the risks they could encounter online
http://www.211toronto.ca/index.jsp
211Toronto
211Toronto.ca provides comprehensive, accurate
and up-to-date information on services provided by
non-profit, community-based organizations or the
public sector
kidsatcomputers.ca I 29
http://www.toronto.ca/311/
311
311 is a simple, three-digit phone number that you
can use to get information about City of Toronto
services or programs, or to make a request for
service. Callers can get information about
everything from Toronto Public Library hours of
operation, to reporting a missed garbage pick-up, to
finding out where the closest flu clinic is located
kidsatcomputers.ca I 30
Created by TESS Learning Centre
2015
kidsatcomputers.ca
31