Sound Off on Computers in the Pre-K Classroom

Sound Off on Computers in the Pre-K Classroom

Here are some interesting excerpts from a June 5, Boston Globe article, "More Nursery School Children Going Online," by Ben Feller...

"Some 23 percent of children in nursery school, kids age 3, 4 or 5, have gone online, according to the Education Department. By kindergarten, 32 percent have used the Internet, typically under adult supervision.

Before they can even read, almost one in four children in nursery school is learning a skill that even some adults have yet to master: using the Internet.....

"The numbers underscore a trend in which the largest group of new users of the Internet are kids 2 to 5. At school and home, children are viewing Web sites with interactive stories and animated lessons that teach letters, numbers and rhymes....

"Overall computer use, too, is becoming more common among the youngest learners. Department figures show that two-thirds of nursery school children and 80 percent of kindergartners have used computers.

At the Arnold & Porter Children's Center in Washington, 4- and 5-year-olds have the option to spend time on a computer, working in small teams. They learn basic problem-solving and hand-eye coordination, but the social component of working with classmates on computer exercises is just as important, said Sally D'Italia, director of the center, which a law firm offers for its employees.

"'It helps them become more relaxed, more adventurous, and more willing to take risks as they learn,' she said. 'With adults, we're still afraid that we're going to blow up the computer. You never know if you're going to push the wrong button and lose all your data.'....

"'Kids have a tremendous ability to expand their learning, and a computer is just one tool,' said Mark Ginsberg, executive director of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The potential danger, he said, is putting 3- and 4-year-olds in front of a computer lesson that demands graphic skills or word-recognition knowledge for which they are not ready. Still, Ginsberg said, more educators are using technology creatively -- and appropriately."


What do you think about using computers in the pre-K classroom. Go to the Sound Off feature on our web site and share your views at http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/0661.

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