The present study examined how embedded activities to support executive functions helped children to benefit from a computer intervention that targeted preliteracy skills. Three intervention groups were compared on their preliteracy gains in a randomized controlled trial design: an experimental group that worked with software to stimulate early…

Over the last decades the nature and form of what children can choose to read has changed radically, partly as a consequence of rapid technological advances and the increasing dominance of the image. The research questions were: (1) "How do children learn to read and write by computer?"; (2) "How can one support children's learning…

Research has established young children's increasing use of computers and other new technologies in the home. Yet, teaching about digital texts and digital practices most often appears as an addition to early literacy instruction in classrooms where "business-as-usual" maintains an emphasis on print and print-based texts. This article…

Noting that one of the biggest challenges facing teachers in the late 20th century is knowing how to help students learn to use a computer as a literacy tool, this brochure shares six ways that one kindergarten teacher successfully incorporated the computer as an informal literacy tool in her classroom. The brochure first discusses the teacher…

As a society, we have refined our expectations of the education system to include a higher level of academic preparation for even the youngest learners. In past generations, kindergarten was often the first academic encounter a child had, but we have come to regard the preschool experience as essential to preparing an academically ready…

In many analyses of children's "emergent literacy" (Clay, 1966) practices, there is little acknowledgement of children's engagement in techno-literacy practices. This article discusses findings from a survey undertaken in a working-class community in the north of England which aimed to identify the "emergent techno-literacy"…

This paper analyses the role of computers within the nursery sector and what are viewed as the potential benefits and concerns of introducing young children to computers. It also examines how the computer is introduced and presented to young children and the form it takes. Data collection comprises a number of methods: questionnaires,…

Uses the integration of literacy learning in early-childhood classrooms as a model for computer integration. Describes and recommends a basic set of "curriculum integration" software. Discusses how computers can function as scaffolds and manipulatives; includes an example of how to design an integrated unit that incorporates technology. Discusses…

"Between the Lions" is a Public Broadcasting System program promoting literacy for children ages 4 through 7 years combining state-of-the-art puppetry, animation, live action, and music to achieve its mission of helping young children learn to read. This guide, in English- and Spanish-language versions, provides computer literacy…

Based on the assumption that young children can benefit from a careful, developmentally appropriate introduction to computers, this guide for early childhood teachers and parents is designed to help children aged 3 to 6 years have enjoyable, educational, confidence-building experiences working with computers. Chapter 1 discusses recent…