The term "digital divide" emerged in the mid-1990s (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2004) to describe "the gap between those who have "ever" and those who have "never" used a computer or the Internet" (p. 1). In time, this term has evolved, and become even more relevant, as more school sites, libraries, and public places gain access to the Internet. The…

Exposure to cell phones, DVD players, video games, computers, digital cameras, and iPods has made today's young people more technologically advanced than those of any previous generation. As a result, parents are now concerned that their children are spending too much time in front of the computer. In this article, the author focuses her…

Details seven ways adults can ensure children's safety on the Internet: become familiar with the Internet community; learn how the Internet works; identify quality sites; learn what sites to avoid; teach children basic rules for Internet safety; place computers in high traffic areas and monitor use; and respond thoughtfully if a child visits an…

Describes the components of Singapore's Masterplan for Information Technology (IT) in Education, which lays out a comprehensive strategy for creating an IT-based teaching and learning environment in every school. Discusses the impact on childhood learning and on the teaching staff, highlighting the experience of one of the demonstration schools as…

Explores issues related to the use of technology in Indian schools, drawing on information from a variety of sources, such as interviews with parents and teachers, school visits, government information, and magazine and journal articles. Examines India's cultural and educational environments; diversity of parents' and educators' attitudes about…

Examines the critical role of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Swedish early childhood classrooms. Suggests that for children to become skillful users of ICT, equipment and a variety of software must be readily available, and teachers must develop their expertise with technology in order to use it effectively and creatively in…

A case study of an elementary school in Hong Kong found students benefit most when provided many opportunities to use information technologies (IT). Teachers' attitudes influence students' attitudes toward IT, and teachers are more likely to use technology if equipment is in the classroom. Improved curriculum and teaching methods will ensure the…

World-wide incorporation of new technologies into the classroom has revealed many common issues. These include the following: governments link educational technology to their country's stature; appropriate teacher training is lacking; equity and accessibility vary; and because technologies engage children with learning in new and dynamic ways,…

Drawing on the experience of two first-year classrooms in Melbourne, Australia, this article explores numeracy learning within an information and communication technology (ICT) environment. Included are examples of how mathematical skills can be promoted and learned in such a way that children can extend their use to practical, problem-solving…

Describes the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in Finnish early childhood environments from three perspectives. Examines Finnish national policies on the use of ICT; indicates the prevailing state of ICT use, according to results of international and national surveys; and presents some innovative practices involving the use…