Main Topics
	Introduction Evaluation Factors Classification Levels of Interactivity Software Content Benefits Performance Indicators Software Evaluation Site Map
	Software Levels of Interactivity
	Sub-Topics (Click on topic you wish to see) Software Function Levels of Interactivity Level 1- Beginning Computer Activities Level 2- Introducing Choices Level 3- Giving Multiple Choices Level 4- Autonomy in Interactivity Level 5- Full User Autonomy Content

Levels of Interactivity

Another way to categorize software is according to the level of interactivity of the software. Software for young children should be interactive, appeal to a wide range of abilities, nurture children's learning styles, and support activities at home and in the classroom. Interactivity focuses on how many things children can do and how much interaction the software provides. The more interactive the software, the more the child is able to manipulate what happens when the program is used. The child has the opportunity to choose from more options, with a wider range of responses, and a greater control of design features.

The Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood has defined five levels of interactivity for software. Each level has distinctive software characteristics and example programs.

View “ Levels of Interactivity” PDF

Level 1

Software at this level is intended to be used with beginning computer activities. Programs may be based on stories with very simple story lines and repeating phrases. Each page contains one sentence or phrase. Other Level 1 software may be switch-operated programs. Children who are beginning switch users can become accustomed to using the device through a simple software program. The simple graphics and limited input meet the needs of some children.

Characteristics of Level 1 Software

• Minimal choices are offered.
• Path is predetermined.
• Choice response is fixed.
• Text (if any) is set and cannot be controlled or manipulated.
• Sound control is limited to on/off or up/down.
• Graphics are fixed and cannot be controlled or manipulated.

Software Examples - Level 1

	Cause & Effect Cinema http://www.donjohnston.com/products/access_solutions/software/cause_and_effect_cinema/index.html
	Eensy and Friends http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/browse.asp?cat=6588
	Press to Play Series http://www.donjohnston.com/products/access_solutions/software/press_to_play/index.html/a>
	Storytime Tales http://www.creativecommunicating.com/ catalog/puppets_storytime.html
	Switch Basics http://www.donjohnston.com/products/access_solutions/software/switch_basics/index.html

Level 2

Level 2 software is slightly more interactive than Level 1. Software at this level may offer a menu of choices for children, however the path is predictable. Level 2 programs can be used to introduce children to using the computer and a basic input device. Graphics may be simple and colorful. This software appeals to very young children or those with limited motor control.

Characteristics of Level 2 Software

• Multiple choices are offered.
• Path is divergent but predictable.
• Choice response is varied.
• Text (if any) is set and cannot be controlled and manipulated.
• Sound control is limited to on/off or up/down.
• Graphics are fixed and cannot be controlled or manipulated.

Software Examples - Level 2

	Jumpstart Toddlers http://www.kidsdomain.com/review/kdr/jstoddler.html
	Just Grandma and Me http://www.kidsource.com/software/ just.grandma.html
	Just Me and My Dad http://www.surpluscomputers.com/seopages/sww12267.htm
	Reviews of Children's Software by Age http://www.kidsdomain.com/reviews/kdr/_languagearts-index.html

Level 3

Software at this level provides children with multiple choices and moderate control of the program's path. A variety of software programs can be found at this level. Software which is based on a story can be used to introduce children to the concept of a story. They learn that pictures have meaning and that there is a direct relationship between pictures and words. The stories are interactive in that the child can click on words to hear them spoken. The software at this level may also have activities related to the story.

Characteristics of Level 3 Software

• Multiple choices are offered.
• Path is divergent and user is given moderate control.
• Choice response is varied.
• Sound control is limited to on/off or up/down.
• Graphics are fixed and cannot be manipulated.

Software Examples - Level 3

	ArtSpace http://www.wiu.edu/thecenter/art/ activity/activitypages/museum.html
	Green Eggs and Ham http://www.childrenssoftwareonline.com/ Default.aspx?m=search&term=seuss
	Millie and Bailey Preschool http://www.kidsclick.com/descrip/millie_bailey_pre.htm
	Sammy's Science House http://www.kidsclick.com/descrip/sammy_science.htm
	Tonka Dig'n Rigs Playset http://www.kidsdomain.com/ review/kdr/tonkadigrigs.html

Level 4

Software at this level is very interactive. Children have multiple choices and are able to control or manipulate graphics. Examples of Level 4 software include programs which allow children to create their own images and writing. Other software at this level offer children many exploratory and problem solving opportunities.

Characteristics of Level 4 Software

• Multiple choices are offered.
• Path is divergent and user is given total control.
• Choice response is varied.
• Text (if any) can be controlled or manipulated.
• Sound control is limited.
• Graphics can be somewhat controlled or manipulated.

Software Examples - Level 4

	Amazing Animals http://www.kidsource.com/software/amazing.animals.html
	I Spy Junior http://www.kidsdomain.com/review/kdr/ispyjr.html
	Thinkin' Things Collection 1 http://www.riverdeep.net/products/critical_thinking/ttc1.jhtml

Level 5

Software that is designated at this level offers a wide variety of choices for children. The user has complete control over software elements. The interactive options in this type of software gives children a broad set of outcomes.

Characteristics of Level 5 Software

• User is given a wide variety of choices and total control over the following elements:
  • Path
  • Text
  • Sound and sound effects
  • Graphics
  • Content

Software Examples - Level 5

	Crayola Make a Masterpiece http://www.myfamilysoftware.com/crmama.html
	HyperStudio http://www.mackiev.com/hyperstudio/index.html
	Kid Pix 3 Deluxe http://www.riverdeep.com
	Logo http://www.terrapinlogo.com/

Content