The excitement children experience when playing with blocks, paints, and other toys can be experienced at the computer when devlopmentally appropriate software is used. Young children can use and manipulate software. The same software used by children who do not have apparent disabilities is also apropriate for young children with disabilities.
Examples of input devices children can use: computer mouse, keyboard, trackball, microphone, touch screen, or switch.
Children can learn to operate a computer safely and effectively when appropriate software is easily available. If clear, positive rules for software use are taught and followed, only occasional guidance from an adult or another child is needed.
Examples of environmental factors in the computer environment: use of child-sized desks and chairs; visual storage of software which allows children to pick and choose programs independently; child-sized input devices; easy access to peripheral devices.
developmentally appropriate software
a child who has been taught how to use the computer appropriately and independently, and is able to:
Interactive computer storybook software programs that allow children to create, illustrate, and animate their own stories. Creating interactive storybooks can provide positive outcomes related to emergent literacy.
Research has shown that children's comprehension and motivation to read increased through the use of CD-ROM storybooks (Matthew, 1997; Doty, Popplewell & Byers, 2001). With appropriate software, children may gain benefits beyond reading and writing. Children may experience music, movement, and culture.
Both the International Reading Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children have determined that technology, including software can be used in developmentally appropriate ways to benefit children. These position statements discuss the benefits of technology, technology integration, literacy and technology environments, access to technology, and the role of the teacher in evaluating software and other technologies.
International
Reading Association Position Statement: Integrating Literacy and
Technology
in the Curriculum
http://www.reading.org/resources/issues/positions_technology.html
NAEYC
Position Statement: Learning to Read and Write: Developmentally
Appropriate
Practices for Young Children
http://naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/PSREAD98.PDF
Software is an umbrella term that includes computer programs. The coding in the program directs the computer. Software comes in different formats:
5.25 floppy disks
3.5 disks housed in hard plastic cases
Zip Disks
CD-ROMs - Compact Disc-Read Only Memory - most can hold over 600 MB data
DVDs - capable of holding gigabytes of information; commonly used for games and movies
Downloadable programs available from the Internet.
It is recommended that a 'hard copy' (copy on actual digital media such as a CD or DVD) always be purchased instead of just downloading a program. In the event of computer problems, a program could be lost beyond restoration. A hard copy allows the program to be reloaded.
Three main considerations to be made before purchasing software are compatibility with the computer, user-friendly features, and company support.
Make sure the software requirements match your computer system. Usually requirements are printed on the software box or provided in the catalog description. Trying to run software on the 'minimum' requirements often results in software slow-downs, freeze-ups, or computer crashes.
Questions to consider when selecting software for young children's use:
Reputable companies have product support available online or by phone. Many software bundles include problem-solving checklists. Before calling the help line, which may require a charge for assistance, try using the documentation that came with the program. If that doesn't help, try visiting the company's website. Software programs often have known problems and reputable companies will put patchs (fixes), upgrades, and documentation right on their website.
Signs of well-supported software.
ITLC Online -- -- http://www.wiu.edu/itlc/
Copyright 2005. All Rights Reserved. Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood Education at Western Illinois University.