The Importance of Selecting Developmentally Appropriate Computer Experiences
Every criticism launched regarding children’s computer use is true if computers are used in non-developmentally appropriate ways. Computers are merely a tool or
Like pencils or markers, they can be used in developmentally appropriate ways and have dramatic impacts on learning (Haugland, 1992) or they can be used in developmentally inappropriate ways, which will not teach children and may even be detrimental to their development (Haugland, 1992).
This research demonstrated that children using developmental software have significant gains in ….Children exposed to non-developmental software had none of these gains and significant losses in creativity. This research highlights the critical importance of software selection.
Like all learning resources we provide young children software and web sites need to be carefully evaluated to determine whether they are developmentally appropriate. Unfortunately many times a tour of classrooms will demonstrate that while teachers have excellent models of developmentally appropriate activities in all other areas of the classroom, the computer center falls short. All too often the software is selected based upon claims of publishers or glitzy packaging and advertising, but does not reflect the developmental needs and interests of children. Most teachers do not have the background to evaluate the developmental appropriateness of software and web sites. In addition, the opportunities to preview software are very limited and many software and web site descriptions make it hard to determine how a program actually functions.
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