FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sally Bowman Alden, Executive Director
(408) 720-8838

COMPUTER LEARNING FOUNDATION RELEASES NEW EDITION OF EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW (BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK KIDS) ABOUT THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY

A Popular Book Helps Parents Use the Internet with Their Children

PALO ALTO, Calif., (August 15, 1997) -- The Computer Learning Foundation, an international nonprofit educational foundation, announced the release of the second edition of Everything You Need to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask Kids) About the Information Highway, its popular book for parents to introduce them to using telecommunications with their children. The development of this new edition was made possible by a grant from Apple Computer, Inc.

While the press has been filled with articles and segments on the value of the Internet to children's learning, only a fraction of parents use the Internet with their children at home. Many parents need more information on the benefits the Internet offers their children, information on how to access the Internet and help in identifying meaningful activities and safe sites for their children. To meet these needs, the Computer Learning Foundation has released the second edition of this fun, easy-to-read and informative, 148-page paperback book for parents.

Everything You Need to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask Kids) About the Information Highway introduces parents to the terminology they need to know (without all the technical detail they don't need to know), describes the benefits of the Internet for children, provides suggestions on how to select an Internet Service Provider or online service, discusses child safety issues, netiquette and how to set guidelines with children and over 50 pages of online activities and recommended sites for children to visit on the World Wide Web, organized by age group. Sprinkled throughout the book are comments and experiences from children and other online users that highlight the fun and folly of venturing onto the Internet to help new users realize they aren't alone as they learn to use the Internet.

"Exploring the rich resources available on the Internet can be a wonderful educational experience for a child," said Sally Bowman Alden, Computer Learning Foundation Executive Director. "We believe this book demystifies the Internet and provides parents with the information they need to begin exploring these resources with their family."

Everything You Need to Know (But Were Afraid to Ask Kids) About the Information Highway (Item No. S9701-06) is available from the Computer Learning Foundation for $5.95 (plus $4 shipping and handling). Orders for more than 100 copies are available for only $2 per copy (plus shipping and handling) for schools or community organizations interested in distributing copies in their communities.

The Computer Learning Foundation, based in Palo Alto, California, is an international nonprofit educational foundation dedicated to bringing businesses, schools and communities together to improve the quality of education and preparation of youth for the workplace through the use of technology. Founded in 1987, the Foundation serves as a clearinghouse of information for parents and educators on using technology effectively with children. In addition, the Computer Learning Foundation hosts Computer Learning Month each October, a major national grass roots educational effort, and motivates and recognizes innovative uses of technology through annual competitions for children, educators, community groups and schools. The Computer Learning Foundation is funded by corporate and individual donations and is endorsed by and collaborates with 56 U.S. State Departments of Education and Canadian Ministries of Education and 26 national non-profit organizations.

Complete information on Computer Learning Foundation initiatives and materials is available at its Web site (http://www.computerlearning.org) and in Computer Learning, the Foundation's free annual publication (write to: Computer Learning Foundation, P.O. Box 60007, Palo Alto, CA 94306-0007).

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