NWREL Young Children and Technology

NWREL Kaiser Family Foundation Zero to Six (2003)

NWREL Kaiser Family Foundation Zero to Six (2003)

NWREL 67 % of preschoolers use computers 80 % of kindergarteners use computers 23 % of preschoolers have been online 32 % of kindergarteners use the Internet US Dept. of Education, NCES Issue Brief, June 2005 Data collected October 2003

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Children’s Development * Social and Emotional Development * Language Development * Physical Well-being * Cognitive Development Does technology fit?

NWREL Research on computer use suggests positive learning benefits for young children.

NWREL Research on computer use suggests positive learning benefits for young children. Computers can be particularly useful tools for enhancing social, language, and cognitive skills. (Seng, 1998)

NWREL Social and Emotional Development * As much social interaction took place around computers as in other play areas. * Children rarely were at the computer alone – joined in partners and triads. * Initially children take turns, then help or teach, then collaborate.

NWREL Children’s interactions are affected by the environment, adult support, and the software they use. The role of the teacher or adult is important for facilitation and creating a supportive environment.

NWREL Language Development * Computers are a catalyst for conversations. * Language activity is almost twice as high as at blocks, art, Play-Doh, or games. * Children tell and write more elaborate stories about computer graphics than static pictures.

NWREL Computers serve as an avenue to social interaction among children, working cooperatively, gaining confidence in themselves, controlling their environments, and making gains in language and communication.

NWREL Children’s computer use can * Enhance children’s self-concept * Increase levels of spoken communication and cooperation * Help bridge concrete and abstract thinking * Develop positive attitudes toward learning

NWREL * Children share leadership roles more frequently. * Children with access to computers performed better on measures of school readiness and cognitive development. * Preschoolers more readily express ideas & experiment using talking word processors.

NWREL Software Developmental software * Can be controlled by the child * Allows real decisions and active learning * Involves multiple senses * Reflects and builds on what they know * Applies to real problems with real-life connections

NWREL Software - continued * Open-ended software encourages exploration, extends thinking, and fosters collaboration. * Children using developmental software showed gains in intelligence, non-verbal skills, and long-term memory. * Adding supplemental activities led to gains in verbal, problem solving, and conceptual skills also.

NWREL Software - continued * Computer Assisted Instruction for about 10 minutes per day benefits primary-grade children’s skills. * Drill and practice software can encourage turn-taking, but also competition. * Children should understand the concept before using drill and practice.

NWREL Children learn a language best by using it to communicate

NWREL Environment rich in language

NWREL Effective Ways to Promote Literacy: * Immersion in a print-rich environment, tools for children to see and use written language * Everyday experiences with print expose children to reading and writing for a purpose * Opportunities to engage in play that incorporates literacy tools

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Digital Images * Immediacy * Springboard for language * Record & document experience * Reflect, revisit, and revise * Share information

NWREL Put the correct date on the calendar

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Blending Pictures and Words * Young children write by drawing * Draw pictures and record voices * Digital images and words * Electronic books or slide shows

NWREL Talking Word Processors * Allow for experimentation – does it “sound” right? * Offer immediate feedback, & experience with both oral and written language * Provide support for children

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NWREL Technology is a tool that can provide another way for children to learn and make sense of their world. With thoughtful use computers and other forms of technology can support and extend learning and increase educational opportunities for children, offering additional ways to explore, create, and communicate.

NWREL Judy Van Scoter Northwest Educational Technology Consortium Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory 101 SW Main Street Portland, OR —