ERIC Number: ED250057
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1983
Pages: 21
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Computers for the Preschool: Beyond the Basics.
Margot, Charlene; Armstrong, Nancy
Advocating preschool children's introduction to microcomputers, this document describes the advantages of computer learning for the child, academic skills that can be taught, results of an experiment that field tested microcomputers in a nursery school, and guidelines for parents to use when selecting software for their children. An introductory section discusses the advantages of computer learning, including increased motivation to learn, heightened feelings of self-esteem and of being in control, and the availability of programs at all skill levels. The next section describes computer software that teaches logic and pre-reading, pre-mathematics, and problem-solving skills. In the field test discussed in the next section, a microcomputer learning station was created in 1981 in the Bing Nursery School, a laboratory facility of Stanford University. Ann McCormick Piestrup integrated free-choice computer activities into the curriculum for fifty 3- and 4-year-old children. Among other results, the field test showed that microcomputers can be a successful tool for teaching both specific pre-reading concepts and computer literacy skills and that computer learning is attractive to both boys and girls. The final section lists many suggestions for parents evaluating software for children. It is emphasized that materials should enhance the child's sense of competence and self-esteem and that the computer should be freely chosen from among many activities. (CB)
Publication Type: Opinion Papers; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: Parents; Practitioners
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A