We need to look at the opportunities we are giving children to interact with computers in developmentally appropriate ways. Use the following ideas to help you take a fresh look at the way your computer is set up to support young children learning.
- Make sure the computer is at the right height - can children look at the monitor without straining their necks and put their feet flat on the floor?
- Is there space around the computer? The keyboard needs to be accessible and have room to freely move the mouse.
- Consider adding a child-sized mouse and a children's keyboard.
- If some children cannot use the mouse, look for other methods such as a tracker ball. Children with greater individual needs might need touch screens or switches.
- Use appropriate software - have a clear-out and build a bank of really worthwhile titles. Having too much software makes it difficult for children and adults to become familiar with programs, so be selective.
- A large amount of software will download automatically to your hard drive, removing the need for taking CDs in and out. You can then put a planned selection of shortcuts on the desktop, allowing children to choose independently from a range of programs.
- Consider the children's use of websites. Increasingly they will come to your setting with home experiences of favourite websites. These can supplement your software, but use them cautiously.
- Is there space for a few children to use the computer together? Add a bench or two chairs and space for children to stand. Children will then collaborate over tasks and support each other's learning.
- Use sandtimers to help turn-taking.
- Model purposeful uses of the computer - for example, making labels for resources, manipulating images, creating slide shows or writing letters.
- Work alongside children, supporting their interactions with their peers, introducing vocabulary and encouraging them to make connections in their learning.
- Use a computer in role play to model uses that children are familiar with and to make role play more closely resemble real worlds.
