Early Childhood providers have an important job of reviewing ALL computer use and programs for young children. The use of computers and computer software is becoming more widespread as software becomes more availabel and children become more fluent with computers. 70% of parents with young children whom own a computer have purchased software aimed at young children. There are numerous software titles that are very educational and productive to children but there are even more that are not. Even though software programs are very beneficial to children, they are not a replacement for the activities provided by the teacher, such as art, reading, and manipulatives.
NAEYC believes in 7 steps when providing software to children.
1. The role of the teacher in evaluating the appropriatness of the program.
2. The benefits of the program.
3. The intergration of the programs into the daily routine.
4. Access to the children including children with special needs.
5. Stereotyping and violence in software.
6. Roles of teachers and parents as advocates.
7. The implications for professional development.
Technology is a remarkable tool for learning and professional development as long as the programs are properly selected. Children enjoy the fun and learning of computer "games" and they often times don't realize they are learning. Software programs can be very beneficail when used to reinforce and concept but should never be used as an only source learning tool.
http://naeyc.org/about/positions/pdf/PSTECH98.pdf
This article was an excellently written point of view on todays technology. I feel it came accross very informative and non-bias. There are many very good points brought up that I feel are often times overlooked by teachers. Software programs are a wonderful learning tool but should never be used as a "babysitter"or as a replacement for actual, hands-on learning.
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2 comments:
Erin,
Your website article proved to be both interesting and informational.
We have many families that use computer software on a daily basis. Sometimes, I know that the computer is used as a diversion (babysitter).
The seven steps from NAEYC are something that I will use with staff and parents in the future for educational purposes. Having the software built into the daily routine and curriculum is essential to a quality program.
Computers in moderation can provide both fun and learning for children.
Software must also be developmentally appropriate to the age level of the child. Some graphics that I have observed could be very frightening to a young preschooler.
Erin,
It is interesting the amount of people that like to use the computer as the babysitter. I have a relative that swears that her child would not have an attention span without the computer. To me it seems more like an obsession than attention span.
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