Carroll County Times Articles
Choose Right Software for Young Children
by Linda Nestor – November 15, 2009
For many parents, the home computer can present blessings and problems, and this can be especially difficult with preschoolers. When is too soon to start? What programs are good, and which are just a waste of money? How should the child use technology? Is the computer good or a bad for preschool children?
Research has found that young children can benefit greatly from using computers, if they use them in a structured manner. The National Association for the Education of Young Children recommends that children be at least 3 years old when they start to use a computer. Preschoolers should only use the computer with others, such as an older sibling or an adult. This encourages social interaction such as taking turns and listening, language development through asking questions and giving answers, and appropriate ways to solve problems.
For preschoolers, the computer's bright graphics and sound are natural draws, but they also need to be read to, experience music and art, explore the outdoors and socialize with other children. Computers should never be used as a baby sitter, nor should it replace other developmentally appropriate activities.
In the right environment, computers can help young children learn myriad skills. Programs that help them recognize the shapes and sounds of the alphabet can give them a head start in learning to use a keyboard. The patience of a computer lets them repeat a task as many times as needed to master a skill. They can have a grand time playing a game when they are learning shape and pattern recognition or mathematical concepts. Software that reads to them can ignite a love of books and learning. Parents can shape the technology, so it is fun as well as educational.
One of the difficulties that parents face is choosing software for children this age. There are some superb programs available and others that turn out to be nothing more than an endless commercial for a cartoon. In the store, the choices can be overwhelming. For children 5 and younger, there are several factors that a parent needs to consider:
# Does the software involve the senses with voice and music, as well as graphics? Does it have voiced instructions to help the nonreader use the program easily?
# Can the child control the level of difficulty and pace to avoid making the program too complex to enjoy?
# Is it open-ended so the children can explore rather than find themselves trapped in endless drill activities? Can the child use his or her imagination?
# Does the software promote cooperation rather than competition?
# Can the child play the game with someone else?
# Are the topics covered age appropriate? Does it push the academic aspects instead of letting learning be fun?
With a good computer program, adult support and appropriate limits on time spent on the computer and the topic involved, the preschool child can find that using computers is a good thing indeed.
About the Author
Linda Nestor is an adjunct instructor and project developer at Carroll Community College in Westminster. She holds a master's degree in special education. E-mail mail@carrolltechcouncil.org or visit www.carrolltechcouncil.org to learn more about the Carroll Technology Council.
