"TakeCharge computing for Teens and Parents"

May 22, 1997

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LyriCCC: So you believe that most people are unaware of all the things that computers can do for them, including teens?

Pam: Definitely -- so many teens don't realize some of the college application goodies, the language learning goodies, and the amazing homework help.

LyriCCC: Pam, you must be aware of how valuable this book is to educators. I am surprised that it isn't advertised as a book for teachers as well!

Pam: Funny you should mention that -- I just finished writing a very similar book for teachers, called "Take Charge Computing for Teachers." The big difference is that I talk about more classroom issues and software for including all kids.

LyriCCC: That's marvelous, Pam! I'll recommend that to all teachers in my district! You advise teens to begin a "Computer Action Plan" as early as the seventh grade. What are the key elements in such a plan?

Pam: A computer action plan involves getting a computer at home, first and foremost. I think this is so crucial for teens, to have a computer they can call their own. Also, I like for teens to think about the areas of their school life they need or want to improve and then to look for tools to help them with this.

LyriCCC: Pam, what about the kids who truly cannot afford to acquire their own computers at home?

Pam: This is such a big issue anymore -- I think the answer is to use libraries and school computers big-time so as to grab as much of a computer education as possible. Also, lots of clubs (like boys and girls clubs) are starting to make some great inroads here.

LyriCCC: In the chapter entitled "Taking Charge of Research," you advise teens to use various search engines to research a topic. What is the advantage in the use of multiple search engines?

Pam: Multiple search engines give you a clearer view of what is really happening; it's a lot like looking through more than one book for an answer to a question. Those Web search engines are pretty unreliable -- so more than one is essential Try the All in One search engine -- it is awesome!

KatieCCC: Where can you find that, Pam?

Pam: http://www.searchallinone.com

Diana: Which search engine do you think is the best, Pam. Are there any geared specifically to teens?

Pam: Really, there are about 50 good search engines. The most important thing is to search broadly, so as not to limit yourself. My personal faves are the WWWW, Lycos, AltaVista, and some of the more esoteric searchers like ArchiPlex.

LyriCCC: In one of your "Online Closeups," you give kudos to a site called "Research It!" What is it that makes this page so useful?

Pam: Oh -- Research It is a site where some really dedicated guys basically torture themselves to find all of the useful stuff they can fit onto a Web page -- they update it constantly, and really, it is a great research site because of their dedication. You can find links to global translators, dictionaries, city maps, postal codes, and lots more. The site is www.itools.com/research-it/research-it.html. Homeschoolers have great options online! I love videoconferencing, pen-pals, Internet Phone, chatting and various software for homeschoolers.

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