AIM

LQ: 8.8

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Brain grade: 8.5
Fun score: 9.0

Platform/Console: , , , , , , LWK Recommended Age: 10+ Thinking Skills Used: , , Academic Skills Used:

AOL Instant Messaging (AIM) is an instant messaging tool that is available on just about any device and platform. Users can instantly communicate with their friends and family by creating a screen name, setting up a “Buddy List” of contacts, and typing messages back and forth in a private chat window. Users can share photos, insert emoticons, and personalize their font and screen name to make their AIM account suit their personality. AIM can be a great tool for keeping in touch, and is relatively easy to use. Hoever, as with any web-based platform for communication, parents should monitor their children’s activity. These concerns, paired with the basic reading and writing skills required, make the app recommended to users ages 10 and up.


This App is good for kids who need help with:

Self-Awareness

Understanding our own actions, thoughts and feelings. Improving social skills.

Having a conversation through text is not always easy. Users can easily misjudge the tone of the message, and may misinterpret information because the reader cannot see body language or hear the writer's voice. In order to use AIM appropriately your child must think before he types, and make sure his message will be understandable to the person he is trying to communicate with.

Self-Control

Managing our actions, feelings and behaviors.

Children are often tempted to speak much more boldly on the internet than they would in person, because they feel as though they will not face consequences for their words. It is important that your child understand the boundaries of using AIM. For example, he should never attempt to argue with friends or bully other children over the internet. Parents should always monitor use of AIM to make sure that language and topics are appropriate, and that their children are only speaking with trusted friends and family.

Organization

Arranging and coordinating materials in order to complete a task.

AIM requires the use of screen names, and your child will need to keep a "Buddy List" in order to keep in contact with friends and family who use AIM. In order to make the most of their Buddy List, AIM users will wish to organize their buddy lists in order to easily find contacts.

Writing

While many people believe that texting and instant messaging have ruined an entire generation's grammar, the fact is that today's kids are spending far more time writing than almost any of their predecessors. They key is to use AIM's unique opportunities for practicing writing, while making sure your child takes the time to write correctly. With a little bit of guidance, your child can be practicing writing, spelling, and grammar, all while talking with friends and family.

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