Early Computer Literacy Program
Children today are part of a digital generation that has grown up in a world surrounded by technology and the internet, and they are using mobile phones, apps, computers and tablets on a daily basis.
Computers have been in early childhood classrooms since the early 1980s. As with technology tools for program management. The use of computers and technology in early childhood education has grown each year, and the ways in which technology tools are used to manage and improve programs and enhance children’s learning have expanded dramatically.
Computers allow children to freely explore touch screens loaded with a wide variety of developmentally appropriate interactive media experiences that are well designed and enhance feelings of success. They also provide opportunities for children to begin to explore and feel comfortable using “traditional” mouse and keyboard computers to use Websites or look up answers with a search engine especially in primary school age.
In CASS Family and Children’s Services, we support young children in developing skills in using computers as a creative resource and learning tool by ensuring the children have access to computers. Our “Early Computer Literacy Program” is used as a support to active learning, not as an end goal in and of itself. The use of computers in the childcare environment provides great opportunities for creative development in children. Creativity is essential for successful learning and it can lead to children having the most fun and enjoyment. Creativity can be spontaneous. It encourages children to explore and discover for themselves, and helps them make links across all areas of learning and development.
Computers also allow young children to manipulate shapes (mathematics) with greater dexterity than they can manage by hand and often promote collaborative (social) problem solving. They also have positive effects on children’s language and vocabulary development, logical-mathematical understanding, problem-solving skills, self-regulation, and social skills development”.
Our “Early Computer Literacy Program” is helping disadvantaged Australian children to get the most out of their education. As some Sydney suburbs are considered as disadvantaged areas, many children who live there do not have access to computer at home. Enrolling these children in childcare centre would help them create better future for themselves.
