Computer apparatus and methods supporting different categories of users

A computing facility electronically communicating with local computers, which are provided for a child and a parent categories of users, using at least one communication network, comprising:

• memory storing a database;
• a first subsystem for the child category of users to gain access to a desired content comprising at least one of educational and cultural materials;
• a second subsystem for enabling a user in the child category to obtain one or more items of value on the basis of points representing a measure of the user's interaction with content;
• and
• a third subsystem for enabling users in the parent category of users for controlling and financing the items of value obtainable by the users in the child category.

A computer system comprising:

• electronic means for providing to a child, interacting with a local computer, education materials;
• electronic means for awarding the child points based on the child's performance during interaction with the educational materials;
• and
• electronic means for enabling the child to redeem the points so as to obtain goods or services;
• and
• electronic means for enabling a parent for controlling and financing the goods or services obtained by the child.

A computer method comprising:

• electronically enabling a child to interact with educational materials;
• electronically awarding the child points based on the child's performance during interaction with the educational materials;
• and
• electronically enabling the child to redeem the points so as to obtain goods or services;
• and
• electronically enabling a parent for controlling and financing the goods or services obtained by the child.