The current study developed a taxonomy of reading skills and compared this taxonomy with skills being trained in 30 commercially available software programs designed to teach emergent literacy or literacy-specific skills for children in preschool, kindergarten, and Grade 1. Outcomes suggest that, although some skills are being trained in a…

This research aims to explore the role of physical representations in young children's numerical learning then identify the benefits of using a graphical interface in order to understand the potential for developing interactive technologies in this domain. Three studies are reported that examined the effect of using physical representations…

This guide is designed to help teachers and parents evaluate and choose computer software for young children in their classrooms or homes. Chapter one of the guide contains software purchasing tips and criteria, along with descriptions of programs receiving the High/Scope Early Childhood Software Award of Excellence. Chapter two contains a guide…

This article offers a discussion of the past, present, and future of children's interactive media. Here, lead author Warren Buckleitner, the editor of "Children's Software Revue" shares some of his book's findings, and answers a few questions pertaining to the current state of children's software. These include the following: (1) What is the…

This study explored children's preferences for 13 computer software programs and field-tested the relationship of developmentally appropriate practice (DAP) ratings of early childhood computer software programs to actual child selection. Participants were 19 4-year-olds. The Haugland and Shade (1990) evaluation instrument was used to assign DAP…

The proliferation of computer software for young children necessitates that early childhood teachers have the knowledge and skills needed to evaluate and select developmentally appropriate software. This article describes the manner in which one university prepares early childhood teacher candidates to analyze software for the young children in…

Reviews computer software that meets the interests and needs of young children and teaches powerful ideas. The evaluations are based on field tests and the following criteria: age appropriateness, child control, clear instructions, expanding complexity, independence, nonviolence, process orientation; real-world model, technical features, and…

The Early Childhood Technology Integrated Instructional System (EC-TIIS), a Steppingstones of Technology Innovation Phase 1--Development project, was developed by the Center for Best Practices in Early Childhood (the Center) at Western Illinois University as an online instructional system. EC-TIIS' ultimate goal was to improve technology services…

This paper describes an empirical study of fun, usability, and learning in educational software. Twenty five children aged 7 and 8 from an English primary school participated. The study involved three software products that were designed to prepare children for government initiated science tests. Pre and post tests were used to measure the…

The findings of EC-TIIS 2 provide evidence on the effectiveness of web-based training as a tool for educators and families in advancing educational opportunities for young children with disabilities. The resulting product and procedures will add valuable information to the field of early childhood technology as well as to the research on online…

This paper suggests that many children from low-income and minority communities are not taught the skills and knowledge necessary to fully participate in the economic, social, and political life of the United States and that schools need to start early, to recognize the unique nature of how young children learn, and to design software that will…