The jury of experts is still out on whether or not computers give kids a leg up in technology before they start school. But quotes like the following make me wonder how parents and teachers define technology:
"We are rapidly entering the time when students will be at risk if they don't have knowledge of or are active users of technology before they enter school (my emphasis)," said Frank Bensinger, principal of the Forest Edge Elementary School for Communications and Technology in Fairfax County, Va.
Just so we are clear, the emphasis on "before they enter school" in this context means pre-school and/or kindergarden and not high school and/or college.
My children entered pre-school and kindergarten back in the dark ages when computers were found mainly in the computer science buildings on the college campus. They both survived and are active computer users in work and college. But if I had to write myself a letter today on the early childhood, computer use subject, here is what I would say:
Dear Mom and Dad,
No. It is not necessary for your child to understand how to use, maintain, or build a computer before entering pre-school. There is a good chance that you will have a better computer in your home than in the school your child is about to attend. Take it upon yourself to learn everything imaginable about what appropriate use of technology means for your child before placing a mouse in your child's hand...then, and only then, add that to their diet just as you might sparingly add desert to a meal or two each week.If you must find something to babysit your child, start with something like a real-life baby sitter who still knows how to color, read stories aloud, assemble puzzles, make paper dolls/origami, build forts/castles from pillows, and stay focused on your child's wellbeing. Expecting an educational computer game or the television to have the same effect is folly.
If your child shows an interest in the computer, then make sure that YOU are the monitor, gatekeeper, guide, active participant, and controller of the P Chip (the on/off switch). Forget about leaving your preschool or kindergaren-prep child alone with possible access to the Internet.
With love,
your technology conscience
There are great games for vocabulary development, learning colors, understanding numbers, etc. (and several of those games are identified here). Should you chose to go this route, learn the game yourself, first...but again, understand that there is a difference between constructivist learning for a child and what a computer program can deliver...the computer is not a replacement for parent, teacher, or babysitter...EVER! And making the computer your first choice for getting a leg up on preschool and kindergarten is not a well considered decision.