Kidthing - a new browser-free and ad-free Internet place for kids ages 3 to 10 years.
Here is how it works: Parents and teachers download the free media player and select from a growing library of content including from Dr.Seuss, HarperCollins, CrocPond and now Paws, Inc., that automatically downloads upon purchase. Kids can’t stray off of kidthing because the player resides on the computer and they have access only to the content selected for them. Once content is downloaded, kids can play without an internet connection. The cost per book download varies between $2.99 and $7.99
Basically you can think of it as iTunes for suped-up children books.
All books come with features such as animation, narrations, small educational games and a varity of other interactive media.
According to kidthing CEO Larry Hitchcock, “Historically, parents have always been in control of the content their children view. The Web took that away. What kidthing does is return that control to the parent. Today’s children are growing up in a high-tech, connected world, and are exposed to the Internet at younger ages than ever. The Internet is a part of everyday life, but it isn’t a safe place for young kids. kidthing is Internet technology, but it isn’t browser based, nor a white-list tool. It’s a secure, safe environment for kids to explore, learn and share; and parents can be confident that their children aren’t one click away from the open Internet.”
Way to go! Check it out here.