The Cat in the Hat Speaks-Out for Computer Literacy

Posted on December 1, 1998

The Learning Company, Inc., with the help of The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Seuss Enterprises, and various participating sponsors and partners announced the launch of U.S. Kids Compute!, a national campaign to help spread the word about computer literacy for young children.

In support of the launch of its new line of Dr. Seuss learning software, (Dr. Seuss Preschool, Dr. Seuss Kindergarten, and Dr. Seuss Kindergarten Deluxe) The Learning Company has created the campaign to raise awareness about the importance of understanding how computers impact the learning process of young children, and raise it as an issue of national importance with education policymakers. The campaign will also provide a forum from which to donate thousands of software titles to community organizations across the country. In addition to The Learning Company, this national campaign is being sponsored by Apple Computer, Computertots, FamilyPC Magazine, CkidsNet, and First Book, a Washington DC community literacy advocacy organization. Over 40,000 children across the country will participate in the campaign on the day of the event.

Kevin O'Leary, president of The Learning Company, says in a statement, "The Learning Company is committed to helping families make the right software choices for their children, helping community organizations provide access to children who might not have computers at home, and bringing the importance of computer literacy to the attention of policymaker. US Kids Compute! is the first full-scale effort ever made to provide research and information to families of children ages 2-7, to assist them in becoming more comfortable with using the computer to help their children learn basic skills."

The campaign will begin with a kick-off celebration at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. The event, which is for members of the press, policymakers, educators, technology leaders and their children, will introduce the issues surrounding computer literacy, launch the website and provide the opportunity for guests to interact with the Dr. Seuss software.