KidDesk

Last updated
KidDesk
Developer(s) Edmark Corporation
Platform Windows, Macintosh
Type Edutainment

KidDesk is an alternative desktop software application. The early childhood learning company Hatch Early Childhood created KidDesk; it subsequently went to Edmark, which was bought by IBM then sold to Riverdeep (now Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Learning Technology).

Contents

KidDesk is compatible with Microsoft Windows 95 and newer, as well as Apple System 7 and newer. KidDesk can be set to start when the computer starts up, and can only be exited through password entry. Adults choose what programs are included for the child to use, what icon represented the desk, and customize the software programs available for use.

History

Edmark first started shipping KidDesk in 1992. In 1993, Edmark updated KidDesk with KidDesk Family Edition for Macintosh and DOS, adding more desk accessories and desk styles (Sometimes included as a free exclusive offer with the Early Learning House and Thinkin' Things Series). In 1995, KidDesk Family Edition was enhanced for Windows 95, and released one month after the new operating system shipped. In 1998, Edmark developed KidDesk Internet Safe. The Internet Safe edition was written for Windows 95, Windows 98, and Macintosh (including OS8). In 2008, HMH ported KidDesk Family Edition was to run on Windows Vista and in 2011 version 3.07 of KidDesk Family Edition was released as part of the 'Young Explorer' suite which is fully supported on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Features

Reception

KidDesk was given a platinum award at the 1994 Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Awards. The judges praised the program's security features allowing "configur[ation] so that kids never have access to the possibly destructive DOS prompt", and concluded that "[i]f you and your kids share a computer, you need to install Kiddesk immediately!" [1]

Awards

Since 1992, KidDesk has won 15 major awards.

YearNominee / workAwardResult
1993KidDesk CODiE Award for Best Education Tool ProgramWon [2]
1993KidDeskCODiE Award for Best User Interface in a New ProgramWon [3]
1994KidDesk Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award Platinum Award [1]
1994KidDesk Family EditionCODiE Award for Best Educational Tool ProgramWon [4]

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References

  1. 1 2 Oppenheim, Joanne and Stephanie (1993). "Computer Software/CD-ROM - Environments for Learning: 'KidDesk'". The Best Toys, Books & Videos for Kids. Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Guide Book. Vol. 1 (1st ed.). New York: Harper Perennial. pp. 272–273. ISBN   0-06-273196-3.
  2. "SIIA Codie Awards Past Winners – 1993". Archived from the original on 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  3. "SIIA Codie Awards Past Winners – 1993". Archived from the original on 2017-11-16. Retrieved 2017-11-16.
  4. "SIIA Codie Awards Past Winners – 1994".