UNIT ONE: INTRODUCTION

• Why Computers?
• Computers in the Home
• Computers in Education
• Which Computer?
• The Unknown Future
• New Knowledge and Skills

UNIT TWO: AGES ONE TO TWO

• In the Comfort of your Home
• The Adult Experience
• Computers through a Child's Eyes
• All those Buttons Computers are
• Child's Play
• Laying down the Foundations
• Demystifying the Disk
• Software for Beginners
• Keeping your Sanity
• Working with Electricity
• Safety First
• Making the Rules

UNIT THREE: AGES TWO TO THREE

• The Importance of Play
• Toddlers Typing
• Mental Development and Language Skills
• Cause and Effect
• Moving from Trial and Error to Deliberate Actions
• Menus and Palettes
• Software
• Using Printers
• Types of Printers
• Choosing a Printer
• Playing on the Computer

UNIT FOUR: AGES THREE TO FOUR

• Consolidating Cause and Effect
• The Importance of Causality
• Turning off the Computer
• The Role of Imitation
• Cross-Platform Experiences
• Making their Mark
• Software

UNIT FIVE: AGES FOUR TO FIVE

• Logic at Last
• Understanding Symbols
• The Formation of Concepts
• Predicting Responses on Computers
• A Personal View of the World
• Matching Software to the Child's View
• Developing Memory and Recall
• Concept Development
• Help from Friends
• The Need for Explanations
• The Expanding Universe
• Changing Technology
• Mastering the Computer World
• Greater Complexity and Competency
• Language Development and Computers
• The Real and Imagined World
• Imagination and Computers
• Different Worlds

UNIT SIX: AGES FIVE TO EIGHT

• School and Home Computer Use
• In the Future
• Increased Attention and Increased Complexity
• Provide Alternatives
• Explanations
• Avoid Anxiety
• Talking when they Work
• When Play Becomes Work
• Going it Alone

UNIT SEVEN: READING, WRITING AND MATHEMATICS

• Beware the Software
• Integrated Software for Writing
• Word Processing Software
• Little Publishers
• Collaborative Writing
• Editing, Design and Importing Graphics
• Photo CD-ROMS
• Communicating
• Reading
• Graphics, Sound and Text
• Computer Books and CD-ROMs
• Mathematics, Space, Measurement and Numbers
• Drill and Practice Programs
• Alternatives to the Electronic Textbook

UNIT EIGHT: GAMES

• Parents' Concerns
• The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
• Gender Issues
• Violence
• Sporting Games
• Simulations
• Integrated Games
• Attributes of Good Games
• Copy Protection

UNIT NINE: YOUR ROLE

• Modelling How to Learn
• Modelling and Developing Positive Attitudes
• Service and Support

UNIT TEN: DO-IT-YOURSELF SOFTWARE

• Use Your Imagination and Theirs
• Create Your Own Computer Books

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly team of administrators and course advisors who offer sound and professional guidance and advice when you need it. This ensures that you will never feel neglected and that you will always succeed!

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete the course is: 150 hrs.

On completion of your course, you will receive two qualifications:

Qualification 1: Children and Computers Diploma

Children and Computers Diploma issued by Stonebridge Associated Colleges, entitling you to use the letters SAC Dip after your name.

Qualification 2: Level 3 Children and Computers Award

This Course leads to an NCFE Level 3 Award Certificate for successful learners. That means that it is independantly accredited at a level of learning equivalent to level 3 on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (in which case GCSE's are at levels 1 and 2 and A Levels are at level 3). In accrediting the programme at level 3, NCFE attests that its learning outcomes are at an equivalent level to a level 3 national qualification.


Additional Information

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

What's Included

• All study materials
• Study Guide
• Full Tutor and Admin support
• The course fee includes the awarding body registration and certification fee (valued at up to £30.00).

What is NCFE

NCFE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.

NCFE is recognised as an awarding body by the qualification regulators ('regulators') for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The regulators are the Office of the Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual) in England, the Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills (DCELLS) in Wales and the Council for Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) in Northern Ireland.

Accreditation by NCFE is a guarantee of quality. It means that a learning programme has been scrutinised and approved by an independent panel of experienced educational professionals and is quality audited biannually by NCFE. Learners successfully completing NCFE accredited programmes receive an externally accredited and nationally recognised NCFE certificate.