Main Topics

Overview Adaptations to Environment Preschool Computer Center Management Strategies Performance Indicators Computer Environment Site Map

Introduction to Computer Environment

Sub-Topics (Click on topic you wish to see) Overview Physical Environment Equipment Considerations Equipment Recommendations

Overview

An important consideration for any early childhood activity is the design of the environment. For some children the design of the computer environment will determine the degree of success and independence they will have with the activity. The computer should be located in the preschool classroom in a center, just as art materials and books are in centers. Since children's operation of the software and control of the activity is essential, there are some specific considerations that must be taken into account when designing the computer center.

Before you actually begin using a computer in any program, consider the management of computer equipment and software and the environmental design. Allocate time before using the equipment to organize an efficient and well-managed computer center. Organizing software and equipment will provide easy accessibility and will assist the teacher when developing curriculum activities. The environment should be designed in such a way that children are able to experience some instant success as well as be presented with challenges through program choices.

Physical Environment

Attention to environmental design provides children with a computer learning environment that is safe, pleasant, interesting, and accessible.

Equipment Considerations

• Select a low traffic and well lit area for the computer center, away from direct sunlight to avoid glare on the screen. Disks and computer chips can be damaged by extremes in temperature.
  
  
• Place the computer on a low table or cart at the appropriate height for the child. In an inclusive classroom, use a table with adjustable legs which allow the table top to be raised or lowered to accommodate a child in a wheelchair.
  
  
• Place the computer table against a wall, near an outlet. Tape wires securely to the floor to avoid accidents.
  
  
• Avoid placing the computer table on a rug, since static electricity can cause software to operate improperly. If a rug is unavoidable, then consider using a static control mouse pad.
  
  
• Use a surge suppressor to protect the computer from voltage surges which can damage hardware and erase memory.
  
  
• Leave at least two chairs at the computer center and encourage children to work together to develop cooperative learning, language, and social skills.
  
  
• Keep software in covered disk holders away from any type of magnetic field (fan, motors, telephone, the monitor), the heat register, or direct sunlight.
  
  
• Keep CD-ROMs in their plastic storage cases in a disk box at the computer center for easy access for children. Avoid storing or using any magnets or magnetic toys near the computer area. Arrange the equipment to allow free air circulation around and into the vents on the monitor and CPU.
  
  
• Keep the computer, monitor, and printer covered when not is use.
  

Computer Cover

A computer cover will not only protect the computer from dust, but let children know in a non-threatening way that the computer center is not in use at that time.

View pdf file on making a Computer Cover - Building InterACTTive Futures - 120-21

Equipment Recommendations

The type of equipment used for positioning the computer will determine its accessibility for all children. The following serves as a good starting point:

Adjustable Computer Cart or Table

• Ensures that any child, no matter what the seating needs, will be able to use the computer.
  
  
• Monitor height will need to be adjusted to child's eye level.
  
  
• Top shelf on cart may need to be removed, depending on equipment placement on the cart.
  

Small Table with Chair

• Ambulatory children may need a different size table for appropriate computer/monitor placement.
  
  
• The height of a child's chair should be appropriate with children's feet touching the floor comfortably.
  
  
• The table should have room for a mouse and mouse pad or alternate input devices.
  

Disk Storage

• Store software in a storage box in a safe place.
  
  
• Arrange disks - alphabetically, by type or by input method.
  
  
• Organize documentation in same manner as software.
  

Disk Display

• Make selected CD-ROMs readily accessible to children to encourage independent choice-making with software.
  
  
• Provide holder or hanger with software. Provide visual cues
  so that children will know which programs are available.
  
  
• Place software at children's level.

Computer System

A computer system which is suitable for young children is one which has a color monitor which can be adjusted to the child's eye level, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) which contains a CD-ROM drive and has sufficient hard drive memory for storing software and children's graphics, and sufficient RAM memory for opening programs and printing, a keyboard, and a mouse. The cords which attach the keyboard and mouse to the computer should be long enough so that they can be moved out of the child's way, if an alternate input method is being used. If the CPU is a tower model, it should be kept on the table if possible, however if lack of space is a concern, then the unit can be placed on a small cart close to the floor. Make sure it is out of the way of children's feet and not facing a heavy traffic area of the room. With the CPU on the table near the monitor and mouse, children will be able to insert CD-ROMs in the drive as needed. When the CPU is on the floor, there needs to be more precautions taken with children putting discs into the drive.

For website links which contain more information on computer systems and adaptations, view our assistive technology resources.

View Links to Assistive Technology Resources

Color Printer

A color printer is an important piece of equipment for the preschool classroom. Computer screens and scanned images can be printed to create off-computer materials. Also children can print their artwork and other computer creations.

Printers vary in terms of technology employed, features offered, speed, quality, and price. The most common type of printer used in schools and homes is the inkjet printer. This printer works by shooting a spray of ink through a nozzle in the moving print head directly onto the paper. Inkjet printers have the flexibility of printing in color and in any number of fonts and graphic formats.