Main Topics
	Introduction Evaluation Factors Classification Levels of Interactivity Software Content Benefits Performance Indicators Software Evaluation Site Map
	Software Evaluation -- Benefits for Young Children
	Sub-Topics (Click on topic you wish to see) Skills Gained

Software Benefits for Young Children

Young children may gain many skills when they have opportunities to interact with software that is developmentally and individually appropriate. When children are able to use the computer with at least one other child, they also gain skills in social interaction.

Developmentally appropriate software provides children with opportunities:

• To produce interesting events
• To create or express themselves through art or music
• To manipulate contingencies
• To be in control
  • To select activities or objects
  • To operate devices in their environment
  • To control their environment
  • To experiment in a non-judgmental environment
• To interact socially
• To communicate
• To work cooperatively
• To solve problems
• To gain sense of autonomy
• To improve self-esteem
• To gain sense of competence

Software can help children gain skills in very specific areas, such as:

• Extending children's expressiveness
• Supporting children's writing

	Extending children's expressiveness - ACTTive Technology article, “Creative Software Can Extend Children's Expressiveness”, by Judy Potter, Joyce Johanson, and Patricia Hutinger. Available- http://www.wiu.edu/thecenter/articles/software4.html
	Supporting children's writing - ACTTive Technology article, “Using Software to Support Children's Writing”, by Carol Bell and Marisa Beard http://www.wiu.edu/thecenter/articles/writ.html

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Software Performance Indicators