Main Topics

Overview
Adaptations to Environment
Preschool Computer Center
Management Strategies
Performance Indicators
Computer Environment Site Map

Management Strategies

Sub-Topics (Click on topic you wish to see)

Management Strategies

The computer center should be designed so that children can manage their own turn-taking and be independent in choosing and operating software. Two strategies which promote children's management of the computer center are the sign-up sheet and the use of a desktop management program, such as KidDesk.

Sign-Up Sheet

A sign-up sheet can be kept next to the computer center to manage children's turntaking at the computer. Children are encouraged to sign up for a turn on the computer. Some teachers will ask children to sign up during circletime or at the beginning of the day. In other classrooms children will sign up whenever they think about having a turn at the computer. Children keep track of who is next at the computer and tend to help each other manage their time.

Further information on making and using a sign-up sheet or sign-up book and the literacy benefits for children can be found in the Emergent Literacy Workshop on Environment.

View Emergent Literacy Workshop on Computer Sign-Up Sheet

Desktop Management

Although independence is valued in children making their own choices at the computer, most teachers and families are concerned about damage children can cause to the computer's hard drive. Two suggestions for managing software are the use of KidDesk and organizing software into one folder for children.

KidDesk is a software program that allows children to independently access software on the computer. They have access to selected programs on their own desktop, preventing them from damaging other programs stored on the hard drive. The program:

Encourages children to manage their own time and turntaking at the computer.
Gives children freedom to make their own software choices.
Protects the computer's hard drive.
Allows children to safely and independently navigate through programs.
Entices children to explore and experiment with tools they see their teachers and families using.
Customizes the choices of software to an individual child's needs.
Encourages the development of emergent literacy skills.

If a desktop management program, such as KidDesk, is not available, another option is to create a folder titled, "Children's software," on the desktop. An alias or shortcut of each children's program can be created and placed in the folder. Children can then be guided to select software from the folder.

Other suggestions for working with children at the computer:

Encourage children to do as much as possible for themselves.
- Guide them as they learn how to access their own KidDesk desktop. Encourage them to choose their desktop and suggest they leave messages to other classmates.
Use the computer in small groups with software programs that encourage children to work together. Children gain valuable social skills when encouraged to group problem solve. Spontaneous language tends to increase through computer use.
Encourage children to help each other.
- Assign computer experts for the week. Peer teaching increases on-task behavior and facilitates the acquisition of problem solving skills, independence, and self-esteem.
Encourage children to discuss their questions with other children who have used the software.
- Guide children in their development of metacognitive skills by modeling a behavior or talking about the sequence of a process.

For more information on management strategies - "Management of the Computer Center" from eMERGing Literacy and Technology: Working Together.

View Management of the Computer Center - eMERGing Literacy and Technology: Working Together - p. 11-17

Classroom Strategies

Group Computer Use

The computer can be used effectively with an individual child or with a group of children. Using the computer with large or small groups is an effective way of encouraging development of social skills. Children may experience positive forms of cooperative play and develop social strategies based on interaction with other children. Children also benefit by:

Learning to work with another child to accomplish a goal.
Supporting another child's efforts through teamwork.
Being aware of other children in the group.
Participating in equalized play with another child.

Individual Computer Use

Children should be given an opportunity to use the computer independently. Initiating an action may be a new experience for many children. Using the computer autonomously can help young children become risk takers. If they do not click the mouse or press their switch, nothing happens. No one cues them, begs them, or provides them with answers. The relationship is strictly between the child and the computer. Observing a child using the computer by him/herself provides new information that might be useful in developing IEP goals.