Originally published in 1989, this book differed from others on the topic of microcomputers and education at the time, in that it focuses on the influence that microcomputer technology has on children in their early years, specially pre-school and elementary ages. Microcomputers have the capacity to do great harm as well as good and a full explanation of the technical and philosophical issues involved will be of interest to a number of disciplines. Other topics explored are – the potential uses of microcomputer-technology in early childhood education and current research and theory building on microcomputers and early education. This book should be read by teachers, sociologists, psychologists and researchers in education.

Originally published in 1989, this book differed from others on the topic of microcomputers and education at the time, in that it focuses on the influence that microcomputer technology has on children in their early years, specially pre-school and elementary ages. Microcomputers have the capacity to do great harm as well as good and a full explanation of the technical and philosophical issues involved will be of interest to a number of disciplines. Other topics explored are – the potential uses of microcomputer-technology in early childhood education and current research and theory building on microcomputers and early education. This book should be read by teachers, sociologists, psychologists and researchers in education.

Explains computer jargon, how microcomputers work, and how they can be used.

Collection of Articles on the Positive & Negative Impact of Computers on Children. Written Primarily for Parents & Teachers

It is November 1983 and young Billy Twist and his friends are about to discover the exciting new world of microcomputers. A nostalgic story of ZX Spectrums, Commodore 64s, Amstrads and Ataris.

Interaction Design and Children surveys the research on children's cognitive and motor development, safety issues related to technologies and design methodologies and principles. It also provides an overview of current research trends in the field of interaction design and children and identifies challenges for future research.

This book addresses the issues of appropriate use of computers with young children and how children and early childhood educators interact with the computer in early childhood settings. Part 1, "Young Children as Active Learners," contains chapter 1: "Listen to the Children: Observing Young Children's Discoveries with the Microcomputer" (June L. Wright); chapter 2: "Thoughts on Technology and Early Childhood Education" (Barbara T. Bowman and Elizabeth R. Beyer); and chapter 3: "The Uniqueness of the Computer as a Learning Tool: Insights from Research and Practice" (Douglas H. Clements). Part 2, "The Role of Technology in the Early Childhood Curriculum," includes chapter 4: "Learning and Teaching with Technology" (Sue Bredekamp and Teresa Rosegrant); chapter 5: "Software Evaluation for Young Children" (Susan W. Haugland and Daniel D. Shade); chapter 6: "The Potential of the Microcomputer in the Early Childhood Classroom" (Jane Davidson and June L. Wright); chapter 7: "Staff Development Practices for Integrating Technology in Early Childhood Education Programs" (Charles Hohmann); chapter 8: "Computer Applications in Early Childhood Special Education" (Michael M. Behrmann and Elizabeth A. Lahm); and chapter 9: "Family Involvement: Family Choices at Home and School" (Patricia A. Ainsa and others). Part 3, "The Challenge for Early Childhood Educators" includes chapter 10: "Moving Early Childhood Education into the 21st Century" (Gwendolyn G. Morgan and Daniel D. Shade); chapter 11: "Replicating Inequities: Are We Doing It Again?" (Suzanne Thouvenelle and others); and chapter 12: "Interactive Technology and the Young Child: A Look to the Future" (Cynthia Char and George E. Forman). The following articles are appended: (1) "Using Computers to Support Thematic Units" (Jane Davidson); (2) "Early Childhood Education and Computer Networking: Making Connections" (Bonnie Blagojevic); and (3) "Helpful Hints on Acquiring Hardware" (Daniel D. Shade). A glossary and a list of software for young children is also provided. All chapters contain references and 55 additional resources are provided. (BAC)