2. Technology for the Tiny: Educational Software and the Young Child SITE 2000 -Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference February 11, 2000 San Diego, CA Technology for the Tiny: Educational Software and the Young Child SITE 2000 -Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference February 11, 2000 San Diego, CA Sarah E. Irvine, Ph.D. Andrea I. Prejean, Ed.D. American University

3. NAEYC Criteria Age, individually, and culturally appropriate Enhance cognitive and social abilities Integrated into learning environment Promote equitable access Eliminate stereotyping Eliminate exposure to violence Pre-service and inservice training should be provided http://www.naeyc.org

4. NCTM Goals Value Confident Problem Solvers Communicate Reason http://www.nctm.org

5. NCTM Standards & Icons

6. Population and Methodology Two groups Thirty-five children (2-, 3-, and 4- years olds) Children of students, staff, and faculty a mid- size, urban university Paired with a buddy (undergraduates) Software evaluation form

7. Methodology

8. Emerging Themes Children have a range of aptitudes and abilities Quality of software varies Skills needed to operate the software vary Any software package can be used to facilitate communication

9. Quality of Software Freeware Commercial Shareware Mathematics Graphics--Animation

10. Wide Range of Abilities University early childhood center Understanding of mathematics Computer Aptitude

11. Operating Skills “Look at the software through your children’s eyes” Need a buddy Text-based instruction Motor skills Clickable buttons

12. Facilitating Communication Social Interaction –Communicating with adults –Communicating with peers Self-talk Non-verbal communication

13. Freeware Toy Story Concentration Rhythm of the Bells

14. Shareware Checkers Playroom Wilbur Worm and the Apple Orchard Sun and Moon Number Aquarium

15. Commercial Baby ROM Millie’s Math House Trudy’s Time & Play House JumpStart Toddlers JumpStart Preschool

16. Conclusions Interaction Appropriateness of the content Choose software that enables children to: –Question and speculate –Discuss and guess –Supplement other strategies for exploring the content Presentation of material

17. Technology’s Role + = optimum instructional opportunity

18. Sarah E. Irvine sirvine@american.edu Andrea I. Prejean aprejea@american.edu