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Draper Preschools
| Computers at Preschool? |
| There is no question that computers will play a big role in the lives of today's children. The issue we what form. There is some anecdotal evidence that computers can be beneficial in early childhood education settings. That research comes almost entirely from children who are exposed to computers during the course of full-day (8-10 hours) of childcare at a daycare center. Those children have time to spare. Remember, this information site is focused on part-day preschool, not full-day childcare. The question then is refined down to "should 3-5 year olds spend time on a computer in a 2-3 hour preschool class"? |
If the objective of computers at preschool is to build academic skills, most 3-5 year olds will spin their wheels if left alone on a regular PC. Consequently, one adult facilitator is required for every 4-6 children using computers. That is just to keep them focused and making forward progress. Like reading too early, this runs the risk of "drill and kill" if it is not executed thoughtfully. |
One view is "absolutely NOT!" Computer learning is a solitary activity. Those precious few daily preschool hours are better utilized in social and interactive elements of child development. In 2013, almost all Utah families who pay to send their child to preschool, have PCs at home. A better plan would be to turn off the TV at home for 30 minutes several times a week and play with your child on your computer. |
| A general consensus of most educators is that a large computer lab for preschoolers (similar to those in elementary schools), where full classes of 3-5 year olds sit at their own computers is not developmentally appropriate and misuses class time and resources that are better spent elsewhere. |
| Computer Use in Preschools: Directors' Reports of the State of the Practice A research report derived from daycare computer use from Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP). Link to the ECRP Report |
| Should computers be in preschools? An article from Parent Map: Ages and Stages Link to article by Julie Kumasaka, June 2006 |
| Young Children's Initial Exploration of Computers Mary Jo Graham & Steven R. Banks Clearing House on Early Education and Parenting This study presents the results of a one-year qualitative study. Observational and interview data were collected on 12 preschool children concerning their initial computer use. Children had the choice to use a computer during center time in their preschool. Initial computer use with a mouse was found to occur at approximately 36 months. Some possible gender differences were noted. Girls tended to use the computer to use the computer more as a solitary game. Children approached the computer in the same way as they approach puzzles and other fine motor activities. Children were drawn away from the computer by open-ended creative activities. The time that children spent on the computer increased with age, but the time periods were not excessive, from 5 to 20 minutes. Children tended to spend longer at the computer in the presence of an adult. They often assumed a slouch typical of college students in a computer lab. Implications of this early computer use are discussed with the recommendation that computer use by preschool children be studied more thoroughly before decisions about early computer use are made. Link to full study |
| Don't judge a preschool by whether it has computers Barbara F. Meltz, Boston Globe, September 2005 An interesting article that hits most of the highlights on the issue of computers in a preschool classroom. Don't judge a preschool by whether it has computers PDF |
| A Sesame Workshop expert pokes holes in four common myths about kids and computers. Dr. Eric Strommen This article does not directly address the question of computers in preschools but it does explore some common misconceptions about computers and kids. Dr. Erik Strommen is the former research director of the Interactive Technology Division of Children's Television Workshop. Note: Dr. Srommen's examples primarily pertain to school age children, not preschoolers. It's good background information. Link to article |
| Should your child's preschool get technical? Carolyn Jabs, Sesame Workshop Most educators agree that computers are important for children who can read, but feel that the benefits for younger kids are not as clear.... The bottom line is not to worry if there isn't a computer in your child's preschool. This article discusses the issue. Link to PDF |