The words "amazing" and "hair-raising" do a nice job of describing the past year in children's interactive media. A glance at the 625 titles released this year reveals new ways to learn, create, and in some cases jump around the room. The good news is that the five-year software drought has ended. The bad news is that these new titles are…

This study was an attempt to measure the effects of praise and reinforcement on children in a computer learning setting. A sorting game was designed to simulate 2 interaction styles. One style, called high computer control, provided frequent praise and coaching. The other, called high child control, had narration and praise toggled off. A…

Provides answers to nine common questions that day-care providers ask about computers and young children, such as (1) what can children learn with computers? (2) what are the advantages and disadvantages of having computers? (3) what types of affordably priced computers are best? and (4) what are the best software programs for young children? (MDM)

Examines current state of children's software evaluation practice. Predicts future educational software evaluation in light of the dynamic nature of educational and "edutainment" software. Discusses key issue such as the best way to evaluate the appropriateness of software for children at each age group and the most efficient means of making this…

Lists six computer programs appropriate for children aged 3 to 6. Includes for each program a description, price, producer's address and phone number, and types of personal computers with which the software is compatible for each program. These programs, which were reviewed in the 1988 SURVEY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD SOFTWARE, are rated by nine…

This book reviews over 250 computer programs oriented toward the three- to six-year age range. Each program has been screened with checklists designed to rate such factors as ease of use, content strength, instructional design, and developmental appropriateness. The opening section contains an alphabetical list of all the software titles covered,…

Presents guidelines and suggestions for the use of computers with young children. Provides a checklist of attributes of good early childhood software and tips for introducing software to young children. (RJC)

Updated information for computer purchases appropriate for use in a childcare center classroom is offered. Includes a list of minimum hardware requirements for Windows-based computers as well as Macintosh, and low-budget alternative solutions. New software titles for preschool children and K-5 school-age children are reviewed. (AA)

This guide is designed to help teachers and parents evaluate and choose computer software for young children in their classrooms or homes. Chapter one of the guide contains software purchasing tips and criteria, along with descriptions of programs receiving the High/Scope Early Childhood Software Award of Excellence. Chapter two contains a guide…

Critiques some commonly held rationales for having or not having computers in early childhood settings. Highlights issues worth considering with regard to the computer as an early learning material. (BB)

Offers basic information for childcare directors on purchasing computer hardware and software for the center. Covers reasons for having computers, downsides to computers, the kind of computer to buy, minimum requirements for Windows-based computers and Macintosh computers, and other accessories. Presents brief descriptions of 9 software packages…

Reviews children's software packages: (1) "Fun 'N Games"--nonviolent games and activities; (2) "Putt-Putt Saves the Zoo"--matching, logic games, and animal facts; (3) "Big Job"--12 logic games with video from job sites; (4) "JumpStart First Grade"--15 activities introducing typical school lessons; and (5) "Read, Write, & Type!"--progressively…

Presents a collection of computer programs for teaching elementary and middle school mathematics. At the primary level, programs teach students skip counting, measurement, graphs, number patterns, place value, addition, and subtraction. An action game for the upper elementary level teaches mental math, geometry, statistics, addition,…