Pediatrics for Parents

Computers and Young Children

Katy McCarrick

Twenty years ago, less than a quarter of preschools had access to computers. Today, nearly every preschool owns a computer, and many of the computers are located in the classroom for the children to use . Computers have permeated almost every workplace and over 50% of homes . Given the extensive presence of computers in our society, we need to ask ourselves, how does this affect our young children?

Much of the software currently available for children focuses on being both fun and educational. The programs usually include lots of sights and sounds and are designed to help young children with pre-literacy, pre-math, or pre-science skills. When choosing a computer program for your child, keep in mind that children are much more likely to learn if they truly enjoy the activity. Look for programs that make children laugh and challenge the child.

Given the excitement that computers generate in a classroom of 3-4 year olds, it's easy to say that many children find the programs entertaining. But do they accomplish the educational objectives that they set out to? Many studies say, yes, when used correctly. Children with access to computers at a young age perform better on school readiness tasks and have better cognitive development. These children also have increased verbal and language skills .

It's important to note, however, that a young child who sits at the computer by himself may not reap the full benefits of the computer. Many researchers have found significant gains in cognitive development in preschoolers using computers, but only when the teacher is available to assist the child.

Another concern for many parents of preschool children is whether computers create social isolation. When parents think of a child playing on a computer, the image that enters their mind is of a child sitting by himself staring at a computer screen for hours.

Research has shown over and over again, however, that computers placed in a preschool classroom create more social interaction than social isolation. Children invite their friends over to play on the computer with them. One child will be working the mouse or keyboard while the other watches. They may take turns, give suggestions to what games to play, or dance to the music they hear together.

Computers can also create an environment of cooperation. Inevitably, there will be one or two children in every preschool classroom that are considered "computer experts." Other children know who these experts are and will often ask for their help. I have even witnessed teachers asking these little experts for assistance on occasion. Not only does this environment of cooperation help the child or adult who needs assistance, this gives a boost of confidence to the expert, who is beginning to get a sense of who he is and what he is successful at.

Even in classrooms that intend for only one child to play on the computer at a time, teachers quickly learn that this is an impossible feat. Children hear the music from across the room, see the game their friend is playing, and listen to the giggles coming from the computer station. All of these will draw children's attention to see what the fuss is all about. And the children that approach the computer and sit with a friend are exhibiting an important social skill: initiation.

While computers can provide young children with numerous benefits, it's important that they are used properly. There are many learning activities that children can participate in, and the computer is only one of those. Computers should not monopolize a child's time at home or at school. In addition, the importance of having an adult interact with the child while on the computer can not be stated too many times. Not only does this child-adult-computer interaction build the relationship between that child and adult, but it serves to increase the cognitive gains a child can receive.

Katy McCarrick is pursuing her Master's degree in Psychology:Human Development at Wayne State University. SHhe is working on a research study examining the impact of computer use on urban Head Start children's cognitive, social, motor skills, and motivation. She has previously worked as a preschool teacher and parent educator and has written numerous articles for local papers and smaller publications.