Games

The Internet is full of fun activities including online games. Not only can you play fun classics, but you can also play role-playing games (RPG’s) or even learn more about your favorite video games. This lesson will introduce you to online gaming resources including where to find reviews and how to choose the right game for you or your child. Be sure to completely read any ‘Terms of Service’ and/or Privacy Statements on online gaming websites. It is very important to understand what information the website is obtaining about you and how that information will be used.

Step 1: Find the Right Game for You
With so many types of online games, you will need to figure out what will be the most entertaining for you, what type of game will match your skill level, and how much time you want to devote to online games. There are many options for finding and playing games, you can play games like Tetris (www.classicgamesarcade.com), role-playing games like World of Warcraft (battle.net/wow), kid friendly games or video games from popular gaming consuls such as Microsoft X-Box (www.xbox.com) and others.

Step 2: Game Reviews
Want to know how other people like a game or if it is even worth your time? Use the Internet to read game reviews before you buy! For example, some websites like www.GameSpot.com and www.GameRankings.com publish reviews and ratings online. You can also contribute with your own reviews.

Step 3: Game Cheat Codes and Tip Websites
We can’t all be gaming pros! There are numerous websites which provide “cheat” codes or tips to help you play your game. If you get stuck, use a search engine  to find cheat codes for your game. Some examples of cheat websites are:  www.ign.com/cheats, www.cheatcodes.com, or www.supercheats.com.

Step 4: Where to Purchase Video Games
Do you have a gaming system connected to your TV? The Internet is a great place to purchase new and used games. Not only can you purchase video games from popular retailers like Wal-Mart (www.walmart.com) or Amazon (www.amazon.com), or specialty websites such as Game Stop (www.gamestop.com). You can also rent video games at Game Fly (www.gamefly.com) like you would rent DVD’s from NetFlix.

Need additional assistance with this lesson?
E-mail questions@club-digital.com or call 888-534-4820

Please note that the following lessons are educational in nature and intended solely to enhance understanding of the opportunities afforded by the Internet.  Companies and websites, as well as products and services, identified in these lessons are provided as examples only.  Neither Club Digital nor any of its sponsors endorses or recommends any of the companies, websites, products, or services identified in these lessons, and further disclaim any responsibility or liability for any activity by such companies, including the operation of their websites, or for any of their products or services.

Video Game Safety

Having a comprehensive understanding of video game safety can help keep you and your children safe. These 5 steps will provide some insight on how to stay safe while playing online video games.

Step 1:  Video Game Ratings
Games are rated for their maturity of content. Video game content ratings range from EC (or early childhood, ages 6 and up) to AO (adults only, ages 18 and up). To learn more about what the ratings of your games mean, visit Entertainment Software Rating Board (www.esrb.org/).

Step 2:  Playing Games Live
Many computer games and video game consuls such as Microsoft’s X-Box or Sony Playstation offer the opportunity for players to play online with other people. This form of video game play is commonly referred to “Live” game play. This can be as simple as a two-way chess match or an 8-player game. Headsets are often used to communicate with other players playing the same game.  If you are playing with someone you do not know, you or your child should not share personal information with the other player.

Step 3: Setting Gaming Parental Controls
All video game consoles and most modern computers come with a parental control feature. Review your user manuals to identify how to change parental control options, which allow you to block content and establish time limits for both your consul and computer. Once you specify the criteria this will be activated every time your child accesses one of these systems.

Step 4: Keep Gaming Public
It is a good idea to keep the computer or video game consul in a public place such as a living room. This way, you will be able to take a more active role in your children’s video game play- monitoring their game play and what type of games they are playing.

Step 5: Start Playing
Online video games can provide valuable lessons in strategy and patience for your children, but it is important to monitor your child’s game play. The best way to understand whether a video game is appropriate is to play the game yourself. A few short minutes of playing, and you should get a good understanding if a video game is appropriate.

Need additional assistance with this lesson?
E-mail questions@club-digital.com or call 888-534-4820

Please note that the following lessons are educational in nature and intended solely to enhance understanding of the opportunities afforded by the Internet.  Companies and websites, as well as products and services, identified in these lessons are provided as examples only.  Neither Club Digital nor any of its sponsors endorses or recommends any of the companies, websites, products, or services identified in these lessons, and further disclaim any responsibility or liability for any activity by such companies, including the operation of their websites, or for any of their products or services.

Internet Safety for Kids

This lesson will provide you with some quick tips to keep your children safe while surfing the Internet. Want additional help keeping your child safe online? Visit Project PRO at http://knowwheretheygo.org/asca. Project PRO was developed by the American School Counselor Association, AT&T and iKeepSafe to provide families with the resources necessary to understand the importance of security and online reputation.

Step 1: Stay Current
It is important for you as a parent to understand the Internet before you allow your child to go online. Understanding the technology that your children use provides the opportunity for you to be an active participant in how your children use the Internet. Visit www.iKeepSafe.org, to access a great webpage dedicated to what parents can do to keep their kids safe online.

Step 2: Keep Computer in a Common Place
Another great tip is to keep the family computer in a common area. By keeping the computer in a common area, you will have the ability to monitor the websites your children are visiting. Visit www.GetConnectedToday.com for more information on Internet safety.

Step 3: Create a Computer Password
Creating a password for your computer is simple and allows you to manage your children’s access to the computer! Click the START button, click “Control Panel”, click “User Accounts”, click “User Accounts” or “Change Password” and then follow the instructions to create a password. Parents, visit The Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI) at www.fosi.org for more Internet safety tips and helpful publications.

Step 4: Use Filtering Software
Filtering software is an embedded program on your computer that acts as a shield or wall around your computer, not allowing the information you type or search to be released out into the World Wide Web. You can change the filtering settings to accommodate your personal preferences to help eliminate pop-ups from unsecure websites that could infect your computer with viruses! Visit Net Nanny (www.netnanny.com) for an example of an Internet filter program.

Step 5: Smart Controls
Setting parental controls on your computer is an easy way to block inappropriate websites. Some internet service providers offer their programs to help families stay safe online. For example, AT&T’s Smart Controls provides families with information and tools to manage content, spending, and safety. Smart Controls lets you take control of the technology in your life. Visit www.att.net/smartcontrols for more information!

Need additional assistance with this lesson?
E-mail questions@club-digital.com or call 888-534-4820

Please note that the following lessons are educational in nature and intended solely to enhance understanding of the opportunities afforded by the Internet.  Companies and websites, as well as products and services, identified in these lessons are provided as examples only.  Neither Club Digital nor any of its sponsors endorses or recommends any of the companies, websites, products, or services identified in these lessons, and further disclaim any responsibility or liability for any activity by such companies, including the operation of their websites, or for any of their products or services.