When the right software is paired with a computer and enthusiastic children, the computer can sing or draw; tell stories or write stories; play individual games or operate a robot; and take its place beside books, blocks, toys, paint, and crayons in the lives of young children.
- Patricia Hutinger & Joyce Johanson

Software Modifications

Some commercial software features a variety of options that can assist children's learning. When reviewing software, check for the following options that may be helpful to children in your classroom.

Volume control: Does the software allow for the adjustment of volume?
Levels of difficulty: Are there different levels of difficulty for a variety of learners?
Background music: Can background music be turned off if distracting to the child?
Learning modality: Does the software provide visual and audio cues for different learning styles?
Recording: Does the activity allow for recording children's voices?
Scanning Options: Does the software provide for scanning options? Can the rate of speed be adjusted?
Switch Options: Does the software provide switch options? Are there options for one switch, two switches, or more switches?
Text options: Does the software highlight one word, one sentence, or the whole text passage at a time? Can this option be changed? Does the font change color when highlighted?

Many of the Edmark and Don Johnston titles (Millie's Math House and Circletime Tales Deluxe, respectfully) have a single switch scanning option for children with limited fine motor skills. Most of the tool software allows both audio and visual cues to be used to meet the needs of auditory and visual learners.

	Edmark http://www.riverdeep.net/products/edmark/index.jhtml
	Don Johnston http://www.donjohnston.com/catalog/catalog.htm

Computer Safety Considerations

Computers can provide useful information, create excellent educational environments, and promote universal access to the general education curriculum. Some basic safety considerations need to be taken into account so children receive the maximum benefits from their time on the computer while being protected from any negative effects.

NAEYC Position Statement: Technology and Young Children - Ages 3-8
http://www.naeyc.org/resources/position_statements/pstech98.htm

	Early Connections - Preschool Health & Safety http://www.netc.org/earlyconnections/preschool/health.html
	Guarding Against Health Problems in the Computer Lab http://www.electronic-school.com/2000/01/0100f2.html