Rub-A-Dub

The Rub-a-Dub software is an excellent tool for young children who are just starting to use a computer. It is designed to help them develop hand-to-eye coordination, an essential skill for using a mouse. According to studies, children as young as three years old can make the association between the movement of the cursor and the movement of the mouse in a horizontal plane. Once they have mastered that association, further progress is rapid.

The Rub-a-Dub concept revolves around the Rub tool, which is activated by holding down the left mouse button and moving the cursor in the image area. This reveals portions of a second image that is stored in a layer beneath the original image. A black and white line drawing will cause colors to appear as if by magic, and if the image is already colored, additional detail may emerge or the colors may change.

Using the Rub tool to color, combined with the element of discovering hidden imagery, appeals to children’s curiosity. It is a simple process requiring minimal skills and yields impressive results. The content of the images plays an important role in the entertainment value of the process.

To further enhance the process, the Rub tool is coupled with the Windows Midi sound player. A background musical theme plays whenever the Rub tool is moved. If the child stops, the music stops, and then resumes when the Rub tool is moved. The interaction of the music with the Rub tool reinforces the visual association between the movement of cursor and the mouse.

The creators of Rub-a-Dub are planning to adapt 200 children’s stories to the Rub-a-Dub format. They are interested in ideas on how to use this methodology for specific subjects. Overall, Rub-a-Dub is a fantastic tool for young children who are just learning to use a computer. It helps them develop essential skills, appeals to their curiosity, and yields impressive results.