Selecting Software for Young Children

Open-ended and Programmed Learning Software

Open-ended means that learners benefit from discovering rather than being told. Software of this type gives children the opportunity to explore and discover, make choices, and then find out the impact of their decisions. Children make real choices, rather than selecting from a limited set of unimportant options. For instance, they decide what to create in a picture, how to end a story, or in what direction to take their inquiry.

Children learn by experiencing, and so need to be interactive with the computer. Appropriate software should help children reflect on what they already know

Open-ended software encourages wondering and hypothesizing, problem solving, collaboration, motivation, and a more positive attitude toward learning. It is also associated with gains in measures of intelligence and nonverbal skills.

Programmed learning or drill-and-practice software resembles electronic worksheets or flashcards. Non-developmental software encourages more competitive behavior, and can discourage creativity and exchange of ideas. Such programs should be used for limited amounts of time, not as the major focus of computer use in the curriculum.

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