Learning & Technology

In the early elementary years, much of a child's learning when using a computer comes from the interaction between the child and the adult or the other children. Because many of the older children in the program already have symbolic and abstract thinking skills, they are better able to understand and learn from computer use, and can can help younger children. Technology can support children's development, as long as its use does not replace time spent on important foundation skills during the early years.

Social and Emotional Development

Before and after school programs provide time for long-term projects that can last the entire school year. These projects can included many participants, both in the program and outside the school setting, and many levels of thinking. Computers, fax machines, cameras and tape recorders can all be used to bring groups and communities together.

Setting up a project with other programs or groups around a common theme such as holidays, animals, or toys is very exciting to young children. Communication and interaction with others stimulate their interest and enhances their learning. Including children from other countries and other backgrounds increases children's appreciation for those different from themselves, and their understanding of the similarities. These types of projects deepen their learning about themselves, their community and the world, allow children to better understand and accept those around them, and to grow up with a more positive attitude about themselves and others.

Approaches Toward Learning

Before and after school programs can encourage children's skills and interests that are not fully nurtured during the school day. Formal instruction focuses mainly on logical/mathematical intelligence. Programs before and after school can offer opportunities to explore in informal, creative and fun ways, and provide a balance of formal and informal learning that motivates and challenges. Let children have a say in the decisions and be in charge during activities that occur.

Language Development

Children in this age range are mastering the written symbols of words and numbers. Technology allows creative and stimulating ways to help them make the connection between the concept and the written symbol. When children use a computer they want to share their experiences and accomplishments. This social interaction increases children's language development as they absorb the words of other children and adults and make them a part of their own vocabularies.

In this informal situation care providers can encourage language development with technology.

• Tape record children's songs and stories. Let them listen to their own words and then re-record, if they choose, to improve the work.
• Use cameras to illustrate the stories they dictate. Older children can help younger ones with the typing, and add captions to the pictures. Print the stories to share with the families.
• Use video cameras to record day-to-day activities. Show parents the tapes when they pick up their children. Encourage children to create a play or drama to record, and then show it.
• Keep copies of work to show parents and teachers children's progress while in the program.

Cognition and General Knowledge

Technology can teach children causal reasoning (if I do this, then that will occur). For children to learn this reasoning, they need communication from those around them. Encourage children to use the equipment, but be close by to discuss the results of their action or inaction.

• If I move the video camera too fast, the tape will be blurry.
• If I don't speak directly into the tape recorder, my words won't be clear.
• If I put a book on the chair, it is easier for me to work on the computer.
• If I don't save my work on the computer, all my efforts will be lost.

Because of the diversity in this environment, children learn a lot through their interactions with the other children while sharing equipment and activities. With caring and competent adults helping in their interactions, children can develop an understanding of how their actions affect others in their lives.

Physical Well-Being and Motor Development

While time on the computer can enhance some areas of development, it is less effective for motor development. Balance computer time with activities that develop large and small motor skills.

• Writing on a word processor may be more fulfilling for young children who have not yet mastered using pens and pencils, but it is important to also encourage small-motor activities. Have them draw pictures to accompany the text, then put the art work on the computer screen using a scanner or digital camera.
• Computer work requires concentrated "seat" work. Encourage activity by allowing children to stand, wiggle, and move around while using the computer.
• Let them spent plenty of time outdoors to balance the indoor time required for classroom work. Develop their love for fresh air and sunshine!

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