| Snacktime, Naptime, Computer Time |
Computers in classrooms are a given in elementary
schools across the nation. Now new technology
initiatives are bringing computers into
preschools, driven by the assumption that if
children don't begin early, they fall behind.
But is this really true? And are computers
essential learning tools for very young minds?
How do very young children learn, how do their
brains develop, and does pointing, clicking and
hyperlinking affect their neurological and social
development? Early childhood education
specialists weigh in on a government funded
statewide program that aims to make toddlers
computer literate. This program is part of our ongoing series on education and technology and is funded in part by the United States Department of Education.
SnackTime, NapTime, ComputerTime was produced by Barbara Bogaev, with field engineers Joyce Lieberman, Rebecca Rumsey, Matthew White, and Mike Brydalksi. The research assistant was Sharon Smith, and the Sound Engineer was Mike Simmons. The show was mixed by Jared Weissbrot. This program is part of our series on education and technology, produced with support from the United States Department of Education.
Links:
The Cyberstart Initiative
Pennsylvania's statewide initiative aimed at getting children computer-ready in early education.
National Association for the Education of Young Children
A national body dedicated to improving the quality of programs for children from birth through third grade.
Whit Davis Elementary
Find out more about Whit Davis Elementary School, featured in this program.
Books:
 Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century
by: Howard Gardner 2000
Highly acclaimed author Howard Gardner asks: Can every sort of intelligence be measured with the tools we've been using for the past century and more?
 Teaching With Technology: Creating Student-Centered Classrooms
by: Judith Haymore Sandholtz, Cathy Ringstaff, David C. Dwyer 1997
An indispensable guidebook for educators committed to educational excellence in today's electronic classrooms.
 Failure to Connect: How Computers Affect Our Children's Minds
by: Jane Healy 1999
A welcome addition to the growing and long overdue debate of computers and children's learning development.
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