OTHER TOOLS

Playbook for AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)

AIM is Good for Kids Who Need Help With:

• Written expression (organization)
• Sorting and sequencing (organization)
• Connecting with peers (social thinking)

What You Need to Know About AIM:

AIM is a communication tool that is very popular among school-aged children. It is a form of online communication that is ongoing and instant. It is free and can be downloaded from the Internet. Each user has a screen name, password, buddy list, and has the option of making a user profile, and displaying away messages. AIM is used primarily for one-to-one instant communication much like talking on the phone, but typing instead of speaking. An AIM user is able to have many separate conversations at once. Group chats are also available for AIM users. Many privacy settings are available to make AIM safer for children. The age for AIM is typically 11 years old and up, however we strongly recommend parent involvement in using privacy settings for children under 14.

How AIM Can Be Helpful for Your Child - Organization:

• Buddy lists require that your child sort out friends by groups
• Typing skills are enhanced which can help with other forms of written expression
• Practice in writing short, to the point communications
• Away messages can help your child to plan daily activities and stay on task
• Talking to more than one person at once forces the child to organize thoughts
• Child can use AIM to stay informed on school work and upcoming events

Talking Points:

• How did you organize your buddy list into groups of friends?
• Why is it a good idea to organize your buddies into different groups?
• How can you use this kind of organizer to help with your different subjects at school?

How AIM Can Be Helpful for Your Child - Social Thinking :

• Child will learn AIM norms and conventions which can be related to real life norms and conventions
• Good for children who are shy or nervous to communicate in person or on the phone
• AIM can help child to develop more social connections
• Child will use his own AIM profile, font, and buddy icon to express him/herself as an individual
• Child can use away messages to communicate plans to peers and stay on task

Talking Points:

• How does the way you communicate to close friends on AIM differ from how you talk to classmates or family members on AIM?
• Why do you think it’s necessary to change the way you communicate with different people?
• In real life, when is it appropriate to be formal or informal?