While there has been a dramatic increase in the availability of Islamic computer software in recent years, it has mostly been in the areas of Arabic language instruction and databases on the Qur’an and Ahadith. These programs are usually excellent in quality; however, they are usually geared to a more mature audience, not children. There is a need to create programs that are specifically geared toward children that teach Arabic and Islamic concepts. The older child may benefit from programs that are geared towards adults; younger children need an entertaining presentation style that will maintain their interests at their developmental level. Educators have discovered many years ago, that learning is increased when the child enjoys the learning task. While rote memory type of drills do have a place in education, it is the creative type of tasks with use of bright colourful images, interesting sound effects, and innovative tasks which will hold the interest of the child. Besides, what would a child rather do - a worksheet on his multiplication facts or an entertaining game which requires him to use his multiplication facts? 

The same type of logic can be applied to the use of educational computer programs. Furthermore, child's programs are the ones that need most to conform to the guidelines set forth for by the Qur'an and Sunnah. While all Islamically oriented software programs need to conform to these guidelines, it is even more important in software for children. Children tend to be very impressionable and even the youngest child picks up on contradictions at some level. How can we tell children that listening to music is not permissible and then give them an educational program that contains music with instruments? This can give the child the impression that this type of music is permissible in some situations.

Other continuing needs include the creation of educational software that integrates Islamic concepts with secular school subjects (like Mathematics, Biology, Medicine, etc.). While this area of curriculum development has started to evolve in other forms of medium such as video programs and in some educational books, Muslims largely underdevelop this area. Furthermore, there are little to no programs available that integrate the traditional school subjects and Islamic teachings for the Muslim consumer. Areas of reading, history, geography, written composition, biology, astronomy, and other types of physical sciences can all be integrated with teachings from the Qur'an and Sunnah. Yet, educational materials used by Muslims in either a school or home setting usually do not touch these issues. Traditionally they are taught as separate subjects. If children are to comprehend Islam as a complete way of life given to mankind as a mercy from Allah, then they need to be taught that both Islamic and secular subjects are connected and intertwine with each other. With the increasing technological and educational tools available to the Muslim parent and teacher, it is not surprising that computer education is starting to be utilized by the Islamic school and Muslim home-schooling parent. The trend of computer based instruction will only increase during the next few years as more Islamic schools and homes acquire computers. So why not create educational tools that meet the specific needs of the Ummah? The use of computers in our children's education is extremely important in today's ever increasing technologically based world. In the near future, our children will need to be computer savvy in order to compete for employment opportunities after their formal school training. In the end, by training our children to be both successful in the dunia (this world) and the knowledge on how to obtain Paradise, we are creating a stronger Ummah. By, Al Jumuah Magazine. Volume 11 Issue 1