Heartsoft’s browser for children, Internet Safari Version 1.0, will make its debut next week at the 21st Annual Florida Educational Technology Conference (FETC) on Jan. 11, 2001, in Orlando, FL.
Under development for nearly two years, Internet Safari is designed to augment the cognitive thinking abilities of young children by encouraging exploration of the Internet. It integrates multi-level security protocols with patent-pending graphic image analysis and detection technology. Internet Safari empowers children with the ability to experience the wonders of the World Wide Web while being cuddled in virtual safety, according to the software’s developer.
By adjusting the browser’s security threshold tolerances, Internet Safari can be modified by parents and educators to reflect changes in a child’s level of maturity and experience, according to Heartsoft.
Designed around a jungle safari theme, Internet Safari creates a portal to the Internet for young children with cartoon animals, jungle sounds and more. Developed for children ages 4-12, Internet Safari offers parents and educators peace of mind while children surf the Internet, said Benjamin Shell, chairman and CEO for Heartsoft.
Safari offers access to hundreds of educator-selected Web sites that are broken into content channels as a starting place for surfing the Net. There’s one-click access to such children’s content providers as “Ask Jeeves for Kids” search engine, online encyclopedias, reference tools, weather channels, sports and entertainment.
Since the Mac platform has always maintained a strong presence in elementary schools, Heartsoft develops its software on the Mac platform first, Shell said.
Internet Safari incorporates artificial intelligence and advanced image detection and analysis into every aspect of Web surfing. Traditional Internet filters screen Web sites by comparing each page against a database of pre-determined Web sites or bad words. Internet Safari takes a completely different approach by “thinking” about each Web page and “looking” at Internet pictures before a child sees or reads anything.
FETC is a venue where teachers, media specialists, principals, and district administrators come together to review the latest technological trends and to share successful curriculum integration practices and strategies.