As computer usage increases, younger children are being exposed to computers and computer programs, according to the Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting. Many experts agree that computer usage can be beneficial for young children because they are naturally curious about the technology and how it works. The emphasis placed on the importance of technology and computers is another reason why many experts believe that computers can be beneficial for young children, says the Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting.
Developmental Benefits
Research suggests that 3-year and 4-year old children exposed to computer activities that reinforce major educational objectives have greater developmental gains than children not exposed to computers, reports the Clearinghouse on Early Education and Parenting. These gains occurred in areas, such as intelligence, nonverbal skills, structural knowledge, long-term memory, manual dexterity, verbal skills, problem solving, abstraction and conceptual skills. For kindergartners and early elementary students, the benefits of computers include improved motor skills, increased math skills, increased creativity and higher scores on standardized tests.
Computer Skills Benefits
Simply using a computer can have an impact on the ability that young children have to correctly use a computer. Scholastic suggests that parents use creative computer activities with children to increase their computer skills. In addition to increasing computer skills, the activities can boost confidence in using a computer by allowing for creative exploration. Parents are encouraged to help their young child type some text and then use software programs to decorate the words. Young children can learn how to copy and paste by typing one word, copying it, and pasting it over and over into a word document. Coloring books are also easy to make by enlarging the text and making it into an outline to print out and color.
Parent Child Interaction
The experts at The National Association for the Education of Young Children, NAEYC, recommend that parents work with young children when using the computer to learn how their child thinks and learns, according to PBS. Observing how children interact with the computer can provide an understanding of how young children go about solving problems. Working with a young child on the computer can promote social interaction and help develop speaking and listening skills. The NAEYC also recommends that parents guide their children when using software so they are able to answer questions and interact with the young child as she is exposed to new things. Any type of parent child interaction is important for young children and the increased use of computers provides valuable time for parents to spend with their child.
