This paper reports a case of implementing the free web-based interactive literacy software, ABRACADBRA, in early childhood education classes of Mombasa County, Kenya. A comprehensive model of training and support was offered to classroom teachers to help them integrate the software in preschool English Language instruction for three terms in 2019.…

This article presents a preliminary examination of the potential of Technology User Groups as a professional development venue for early childhood education professionals in developing operational and functional competence in using hardware and software components of a Technology toolkit. Technology user groups are composed of varying numbers of…

A common problem in computer programming use for education in general, not simply as a technical skill, is that children and teachers find themselves constrained by what is possible through limited expertise in computer programming techniques. This is particularly noticeable at the preliterate level, where constructs tend to be limited to…

This study explored the viability of tablet computers in early education by investigating preschool children's ease in acclimating to tablet technology and its defectiveness in engaging them to draw. A total of 41 three- to six-year-old children were videotaped while they used the tablets. The study found significant differences in level of tablet…

This paper reports on the outcomes of a survey implemented in a large regional community of Australia. The survey was completed by parents of children aged four-five years and attending local early childhood centres. The survey identified the types of access and use of computers by preschool children. It was found that the children of the…

The aim of this study was to explore how guided interaction could create opportunities for learning with information and communication technologies (ICT) for children aged three and four. The study was grounded in the naturalistic environment of the playroom, in a context of free play and child-initiated activity, and focused on interventions…

The presence of computers in early childhood classrooms is growing, despite serious doubts about whether young children really need them or benefit from using them. A recent study of child care centers in Texas found that preschool children were using computers in more than 75% of these institutions. According to most child development experts,…

As a society, we have refined our expectations of the education system to include a higher level of academic preparation for even the youngest learners. In past generations, kindergarten was often the first academic encounter a child had, but we have come to regard the preschool experience as essential to preparing an academically ready…

An observational study was conducted to investigate the computer activity of children in a preschool classroom. Thirty-nine 3- to 5-year-old children were observed using a computer over nine weeks during a daily one-hour free play period. Different types of computer programs were available. During one half of the sessions, an adult knowledgeable…

This paper analyses the role of computers within the nursery sector and what are viewed as the potential benefits and concerns of introducing young children to computers. It also examines how the computer is introduced and presented to young children and the form it takes. Data collection comprises a number of methods: questionnaires,…

"Between the Lions" is a Public Broadcasting System program promoting literacy for children ages 4 through 7 years combining state-of-the-art puppetry, animation, live action, and music to achieve its mission of helping young children learn to read. This guide, in English- and Spanish-language versions, provides computer literacy…

Based on the assumption that young children can benefit from a careful, developmentally appropriate introduction to computers, this guide for early childhood teachers and parents is designed to help children aged 3 to 6 years have enjoyable, educational, confidence-building experiences working with computers. Chapter 1 discusses recent…