This book reviews over 250 computer programs oriented toward the three- to six-year age range. Each program has been screened with checklists designed to rate such factors as ease of use, content strength, instructional design, and developmental appropriateness. The opening section contains an alphabetical list of all the software titles covered,…

A project in Fairfax County, Virginia, is training five infants with physical and other handicaps to use the computer to communicate with others and to interact with the environment. Computer training begins with establishment of cause-effect relationship and proceeds through choice selection and finally categorization. (CL)

Points out that computer software which is to be used with young children in early childhood classes must be designed and selected to reflect a sound developmental approach to learning. Also presents 10 criteria for developmentally appropriate software and reviews several developmentally appropriate computer programs for young children. (BB)

The article argues that even extremely young children can be taught to program microcomputers from their very first contact. A teaching strategy is proposed, having more in common with the teaching of language than with the more traditional didactic-reinforcement cycle commonly employed in the text books. (Author/CL)

Parent guidelines for selecting appropriate software for three- to five-year-olds address trying the software out, what to look for, and what to expect. Evaluation criteria cover appropriate vocabulary level, individual needs, child involvement, target audience, creative presentation, and useful feedback. (CB)

Preschool children can benefit by working with microcomputers. Thinking skills are enhanced by software games that focus on logic, memory, problem solving, and pattern recognition. Counting, sequencing, and matching games develop mathematics skills, and word games focusing on basic letter symbol and word recognition develop language skills.…

Presents guidelines for selecting computer equipment and appropriate software for children of preschool and early elementary school age (3- to 6-years-old.) (BB)

This study focused on the cognitive conflicts experienced by young children in using software programs that provided them with tools to create and/or combine individual graphic elements into larger structures. Six 5-year-old children, none with prior computer experience, were observed using three programs--Kids at Work, Picture Perfect, and…

The case study describes microtechnological aids for a quadriplegic preschool aged boy dependent on a ventilator via a tracheostomy. Provision of a computer, a variety of specially designed switches and software, together with a self-driven powered wheelchair maximized expression of his developmental needs. (DB)

Discusses research evidence for not including microcomputers in preschool environments; develops a theoretical base favoring computer use in early childhood that includes views of Papert, Piaget, Erikson, and competence development; and offers directions for software development through a review and description of successful microworld programs.…

Critiques some commonly held rationales for having or not having computers in early childhood settings. Highlights issues worth considering with regard to the computer as an early learning material. (BB)

These guidelines are designed to give preservice teachers information to use in selecting techniques and planning learning experiences for young children in the microcomputer laboratory. The main purpose of this laboratory experience is for children to develop computer awareness/literacy and keyboard knowledge, and to improve skills in following…

Educators are asking about the appropriate role of computers in the classroom, whether computers have a legitimate place in a classroom for young children or will supplant more important activities, and whether children under the age of 8 should use microcomputers. These general questions must be examined in order to discover the real, underlying…

Discusses frequently asked questions, presents common concerns, and gives suggestions for families and parents in five areas related to children's home computer use: (1) software selection; (2) computer time; (3) the Internet; (4) family interaction; and (5) supervision. (KB)

Use of computers by young children may increase cognitive development and motivation. Computer use may also increase capabilities of disabled children. Concerns about young children's use of computers center on the nature of software, cultural values reflected in software, and equity of computer use. (NH)