In an article titled "Computers and Young Children" many factors are discussed such as wen to introduce computers, activities that are considered "developmentally appropriate", benefits of computer use and teacher training. The article suggests that computers are inappropriate for children under the age of 3 because it does not suit their learning. At an early age children learn primarily through their body by crawling, walking, talking and socializing with others. Therefore, the article did not support the idea of children under the age of 3 using a computer.
When it comes to whether or not computer usage is developmentally appropriate for young children the article feels that the way that 3 and 4 year old children use computers is different than the way kindergarten and elementary school children use computers. Many times young children sit down at the computer to play games when their learning should provide concrete experiences.
Some of the benefits to computer use with 3 and 4 year olds are gains in "intelligence, nonverbal skills, structural knowledge, long-term memory, manual dexterity, verbal skills, problem solving, abstraction, and conceptual skills. (Haugland, 1992)
If computers are to be an effective lea ring tool, teachers should be trained to maximize the potential of technology in the classroom. Teachers should do various things before allowing their students to explore on a computer. Some things that teachers should do are; preview software and make sure that it is age appropriate and discuss objectives with the students.
If you would like to check this article out you can find it at:
www.kidsource.com/education/computers.html
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