• Adjustable computer table

  Height adjustment: can be raised or lowered easily for child in small chair or child in wheelchair so that monitor is at the child's eye level

  Surface area consideration: has large enough surface for input device, such as IntelliKeys, and printer or other peripheral

  Collaboration encouragement: can fit at least two children comfortably at the table

• Child-sized chairs
• Positioning materials for children
• CD-ROM holders to make disks accessible to children

• Computer System with color monitor

  Specifications to consider: amount of RAM, hard drive space, speed of computer processor, and operating system

• Color printer: for printing books made by children on the computer
• Scanner: to scan artwork or photographs to put into authoring programs
• Digital camera: to take pictures for books children make on computer; pictures to use with labels in the environment
• Input device mouse and keyboard
• Adaptive input devices switches, touch screen, IntelliKeys
• Microphone for recording children's voices to use in software
• Headphones to assist children in hearing what is on the computer

Adaptations can make the computer accessible so that all children can participate equally in technology activities. A variety of alternative input devices can help children with physical disabilities be successful and gain independence as they use the computer.

Adaptive devices include:

• Switches and Switch Interface
• IntelliKeys
• Discover:Kenx
  • Discover:Switch
  • Discover:Board
  • Key Largo
• TouchWindow or touch screen

• Place the computer against a wall or near an outlet.
• Use Velcro fasteners to keep cords together and out of childen's view.
• Secure wires with tape if they need to stretch across part of the room.
• Place the computer in a low traffic area.
• Monitor and input devices should be placed in secure positions with extra cords hidden from children's view.

• To encourage social interaction among children, have at least two child-size chairs at the computer.
• Chairs should be at an appropriate height so that children's feet touch the floor while they are seated at the computer.

• Place the computer on either a low table, preferably an adjustable one, or a computer cart which can be moved for small group activities.
• Position the monitor on the main surface of the table or cart.
• Adjust the height and angle of the monitor so that it is between 18 and 26 inches from the child's eyes.
• Adjust lighting and/or close window shades or blinds to omit glare on screen.

• Teach children rules for responsible behavior in the computer center.
• Teach children how to handle CD-ROMs, removing them from their cases, inserting them in the drive and closing the drive door.
• Use KidDesk as a desktop protection program so that children can select the software program they want.

• Encourage children to manage their own turntaking by providing a sheet or book for signing up for the computer.

• Provide quality time for creating and exploring at the computer.
• Encourage children to manage their own turntaking.
• Allow children freedom to interact with others at the computer.

The Center for Best Practices does not encourage the use of a timer due to the restrictions that it places on children's creativity at the computer. Children feel rushed and anxious when a timer is used. Use of a timer also encourages aggressive behaviors in children who are waiting for their turn. A timer is usually not used in other centers, therefore the computer center should be treated in the same way.

• Extend children's learning at the computer center by providing appropriate props.
• Relate props to selected software with content related to classroom projects and topics.
• A variety of printer products are available which will help in making off-computer materials which relate to software. Most of these products are available locally at department stores, craft stores, or fabric stores, or online.

  Examples of printer products: printer fabric sheets, iron-on transfers, magnet kits, window decals, bumper stickers, specialty printer papers in multiple colors, button maker.

Printer Fabric Sheets

Printer fabric sheets are specialty fabric which can be run through a desktop printer. After running through the printer, the fabric can be sew onto pillows, shirts, tote bags, aprons, or other items.

	Available at fabric stores or at the Fons and Porter Quilt Supply website, http://www.fonsandporter.com/storefront/fabricsheets.html
	Computer Quilting Made Easy website, http://softexpressions.com/software /notions/jtcolorf.htm

Iron-on Transfers

Iron-on printer sheets are specialty fabric which is run through a printer. Then, it is placed on a material item and heat adhered through use of a dry iron.

Ginger's Needlework and Quilting http://www.quiltknit.com/memories/

Other Printer Products

Magnet Kits

Print and Stick Project Paper- Window Decals

Bumper Stickers

Crayola Printer Papers - Stardust Pattern, Classic Colors, Pastel Colors

• Encourage children to make their own decisions about software from designated titles by making it easy for them to access CD-ROMs.
• Keep CD-ROM storage at child's eye level.
• Store CD-ROMs in inviting holders that hang close to computer. These can be purchased or homemade. Large envelopes, manila folders, or heavy paper can be made into pockets and laminated.
• Provide clues with each title which help the child know which one it is.
• Pictures from software boxes can be taped to software holder.
• Pictures from software screens can be captured, reduced, and printed to fit on software holder.

Center for Best Practices has seen many benefits from using KidDesk with children. KidDesk is a software program that allows children to independently access software on the computer. Besides the many literacy benefits, children also benefit from independent computer use with KidDesk.

• Encourages children to manage their own time and turntaking at the computer.
• Gives children freedom to make their own software choices.
• Encourages the development of emergent literacy skills.

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