Selecting Software for Young Children

For children under age three, computer use is usually not appropriate. (See Learning & Technology)
With adult guidance, children age three and older can use computers and software that fits the way that young children develop and learn.

Researchers agree that software for young children should:

• Encourage exploration, imagination, and problem solving
• Reflect and build on what children already know
• Involve many senses and include sound, music, and voice
• Be open-ended, with the child in control

Children can be good judges of what entertains them, but are not always good judges of educational value. Adults are responsible for selecting software to match the needs and learning goals of the children.
Computer games and "edutainment" programs—software that claims to educate while entertaining—do not add to the learning experiences or development of a child and are not necessary in this setting.

Plan Software Purchases with a Purpose in Mind

Software can support a child's learning, but it cannot provide the learning. Select software that supports your goals and your care philosophy, and encourages the types of experiences you want children to have. Consider creativity software as well as reference materials. Even young children can use children's drawing programs or visual reference materials to be active and creative.

When possible, preview software to see whether it is appropriate and supports the children's development. Good sources of suggestions for quality software, software that fits with the way children learn, include:

• Teachers and knowledgeable colleagues
• Conference sessions relating to using computers in child care and preschool settings
• Organizations that evaluate software for appropriateness; several of these organizations are listed below

Software Evaluation and Review Resources

These organizations provide helpful criteria and/or reviews for evaluating and choosing software for children.

Children and Computers
This site offers information on developmentally appropriate software and Web sites for young children, including the Haugland Developmental Scale for evaluating software, the Haugland/Gerzog Developmental Scale for Web sites, and the Developmental Awards.
http://www.childrenandcomputers.com

ConnSENSE
ConnSENSE (Connecticut Special Education Network for Software Evaluation). The Assistive Technology Training Center
at the University of Connecticut reviews software, with a
focus on software appropriate for children with special needs.
http://www.connsensebulletin.com/software.html

Northwest Educational Technology Consortium
NETC provides information about software selection and links to online software review sites.
http://www.netc.org/software/index.html