< Home < Workshops < Children's Software Workshop < 1 < 2 < 3 < 4 < 5 < 6 Computers can function as tools for learning, communicating, equalizing opportunities, and creating positive changes in the learning environment of young children with disabilities.                        - (Sivin-Kachala & Bialo, 1996)

Overview

The excitement children experience when playing with blocks, paints, and other toys can be experienced at the computer when developmentally 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.

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.

Requirements for Successful Child/Computer Interaction

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Interactive Computer

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.

[Graphic of children at computer center possibly with a Living Book ]

Position Statements on Technology and Literacy

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.  

NAEYC Position Statement: Technology and Young Children - Ages 3-8 http://www.naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/PSTECH98.PDF

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

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What is Software?

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
  • stores limited amount of data
  • requires an older computer with a 5 1/4 inch drive
  • are easily damaged
• 3.5 disks housed in hard plastic cases
  • usually can only store 1-2 MB data
  • requires older computer with 3 1/2 inch drive
  • are somewhat easily damaged
• Zip Disks
  • can Store Up to 250 MB data
  • are made of a hard plastic case and are a more sturdy form of media
  • require a Zip drive on the computer, but external Zip drives are inexpensive and can be moved between computers
• 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.

Further information on understanding various forms of digital media storage for software. http://scs.une.edu.au/EDIT312/competencies /Resources/BasicOps/Storage.html

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Basic Features of Software

Three main considerations to be made before purchasing software are compatibility with the computer, user-friendly features, and company support.

Compatibility

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.

When evaluating software for purchase/use, consider the following:

• RAM (Random Access Memory), which affects the speed of the program
• ROM (Read Only Memory) and/or hard drive space
  • Enough space for storing the program on the hard drive instead of running the program from disc is recommended. Running programs off of CDs or DVDs often causes significant slowing down of the program, causing frustration)
• Operating system requirements (Windows version, Mac OS version)
• Monitor size and resolution
• Color and graphics capabilities
• CD-ROM or DVD requirements
• Processor Speed
• Requirements for peripheral devices (printers, scanners, cameras)

Program Features

Questions to consider when selecting software for young children's use:

• Is on-screen reading required to operate the program?
• Does pressing an incorrect key or clicking in the wrong place cause the program to freeze or crash
• Can children correct errors in writing or drawing software with an "undo" feature?
• Are children able to bypass the introduction screen?
• Can children exit at any time in the program?
• Are printing options available for writing and graphics programs?
• Is the save option available for writing and graphics programs?

Company Support

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.

• The program has documentation and troubleshooting tips.
• The company provides a customer service help line.
• Warranty, guarantee, and return policy are clearly stated.
• The company has a website.

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