The jury is out on just how meaningful software aimed at babies and toddlers really is. In general, the activities included in such software are the same games (peek-a-boo, simple songs) you are likely to do face-to-face with your child.

However, with preschool age children (ages 3-5) Pat Amanna, co-president elect of NYS Association for the Education of Young Children, says computers can be a powerful tool for learning if they are used properly.

"Computers are a part of children’s world, and we want to prepare them with experiences that will be part of their world," says Amanna. "The key is to remember that the computer is only a tool. You are the one who makes things happen."

For this reason, Amanna suggests that parents carefully choose the software they use with their children.

"Just as you wouldn’t put just any book in front of your child, you wouldn’t choose just any software for your child." (See story below on "Choosing Quality Software for your Children.")

And just as you wouldn’t let your child start a new situation like preschool or day care without you by his side, neither should you let him learn about computers without help from you. Amanna recommends making computer time, family time.

In order for the computer to be most meaningful to a young child, it should be used along with a parent or other grown person, or an older sibling who can answer questions, offer suggestions and be supportive. This way, the computer goes from being a solitary and possibly confusing experience to one that is very social and meaningful.

There is no hard and fast rule about how much time a young child should spend playing on the computer. Some parents use the same type of time limits that they use when allotting their child TV time (1/2 hour TV show = 1/2 hour computer time). Some even place an egg timer by the computer to signal when computer time is up. Others will allow a child to work through a particular project or game before shutting the computer off despite the length of time. Of the two approaches, Amanna favors allowing a child to work a project through.

"I don’t buy into the time limit model [of computer usage with young children]," says Amanna. "If a child were building with blocks, we wouldn’t put an artificial limit on how long it should take her to build a tower."

However, this doesn’t mean that children should be allowed to sit in front of the computer for hours on end. Amanna says that ideally a young child’s day (whether in day care, preschool or in a home environment) should include a mixture of activities and materials, such as art, blocks, sand, water, books, exploration with writing materials and free play. Computers should be seen as just one of many options available.

Just as some children might never choose to do a woodworking project or use a puppet theater, others have little or no interest in working at a computer. Amanna says that during the preschool (and even the early elementary) years, this is really no big deal.

"If a child isn’t interested in using the computer, I wouldn’t be overly concerned," she says. "They will, when they need it as a tool, find it."

If you do not own a home computer…

There are many ways for your child to experience this technology. The local library is a wonderful, free resource for computers with Internet access and a vast assortment of educational software. Many libraries have CD-ROMs to lend. This is a great way to try a variety of types of software or to preview software before purchasing it.

In addition, many children’s museums offer interactive computer stations that children can use to access information and play games.

Computers can help level the playing field for children with special challenges. With the click of a mouse, kids of different abilities can explore new worlds and direct what happens on the screen. Specially designed speech software can read Web pages to the blind, and special input devices can aid those who can’t use a standard mouse or keyboard. For more information about computer products for children with disabilities, call the Alliance for Technology Access at (415) 455-4575 or visit www.ataccess.org.

The Internet can be a wonderful resource for a vast assortment of information specifically suited to young children. With a click of the mouse, you and your child can learn to tell the difference between a male and female Monarch butterfly, access free educational games and learn how to bake pretzels. But there is also a lot of information that you will want to avoid.

When it comes to young children and the Internet, the best advice is to take the time to preview any new Web site that you might want to use with your child. Bookmark those sites that you would like to visit frequently and have a site up before you invite your child to the computer. These simple steps will ensure that you don’t happen onto inappropriate information while your child watches and that he/she won’t get bored waiting.

For a list of family-friendly sites, check out the American Library Association web site at www.ala.org/parentspage/greatsites/.

Quality software can offer young children opportunities for collaborative play and creative expression. It can also help with reading readiness and early math skills. Three or four carefully chosen CD-ROMs are really all you need to supply your young child with a variety of computer-based learning experiences.

Following are some tips to keep in mind when choosing software for your family:

• Check for the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rating on the box. ESRB has five ratings: EC (Early Childhood, ages three and up), E (Everyone, ages six and up), T (Teen, for ages 13 and older), M (Mature, ages 17 and up), and AO (Adults Only, ages 18 and up). Also, check on the back of the box for the ESRB content descriptor. (For more information on the ESRB software rating system, go to www.esrb.org).
  

• Software should be easy to use and appropriate for your child’s computer skill level. Some software titles give a broad age range, but may not be appropriate for all children in that age range. Before you buy, read software reviews and, if possible, preview the software (many stores will allow you to try out software before you purchase). Parenting magazines, Family PC Magazine and websites like www.pc-kids.net and The Children’s Software Review (www.childrenssoftware.com) are good resources for software reviews and information.
  

• Choose titles that are both educational and fun.
  

• Choose software that your child will be interested in using over and over. There are many titles that are different every time they are played.
  

• Keep your software library well-rounded. Include creativity software (such as KidsPix), as well as that with activities on single subjects (reading, math, science), multiple subjects (such as the Jump Start series), interactive storybooks (such as the Living Books series) and problem-solving adventures.

Source: www.pc-kids.net

For permission to reprint this article, please contact the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service by e-mailing dbushsuf@gw.neric.org.

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