Kids & computers glossary. (Kids & Computers) (Glossary)

BASIC. Short for Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code. A high-level programming language that uses English-like commands. Because BASIC is relatively easy to learn, it's often used in beginning programming classes.

computer literacy. The ability to understand and effectively use computers.

drill and practice. A term, sometimes used pejoratively, that describes a kind of educational software. Like flashcards, drill-and-practice programs use repetition and reward to reinforce learning.

icon. A small onscreen image that a child can manipulate in order to control a program. For example, clicking the mouse pointer on a printer icon might send a picture to the printer.

interactive program. A program that accepts responses from a child, usually through the keyboard, a mouse, or a joystick.

interface. The specific type of design and commands that enable a child to control a software program.

Logo. A programming language designed especially to teach children to program. It was developed by Seymour Papert at MIT in 1968.

multimedia. The combination of graphics, sound, animation, and video in a single software program. Sometimes only two or three of these elements are needed in order for a program to be called a multimedia program.

simulation. The imitation of a real-life event or object. When successful, a computer-based simulation program responds as though the child is actually controlling the even or object. For example, a flight-simulator program might have a realistic instrument panel and handle like a real airplane.