Today many children use computers in the home, at classrooms, and even day care centers. Many children become computer literate before they start school. Becoming computer literate may help your child in a number of ways:

• Building new skills such as reading, writing, math, and problem solving.
• Engaging actively in learning.
• Gain new information and apply what is already known.
• Finding information for school projects by using the Internet or by running a CD-ROM program.
• Organize information
• Problem solving.
• Developing positive self-esteem.
• Thinking skills such as analytical and creative thinking.
• Good observation skills

Many children start using a computer by using software games. Parents are worried about when to introduce their child to software and which software to buy. When selecting a software for your child see:

• If it is interactive
• If it allows the child to make choices
• If it provides positive strengthening
• If it is fun to play

While your child thinks he/she is playing a fun game with the software, she will exercise her mind as she analyzes and synthesizes information. Also, she will understand and apply the rules, improve visual and auditory memory, practice different thinking skills, organize the tasks in order according to it’s priority, and learn about making decisions.

It is a good idea to check out the software demo before buying it. Also, parents have to keep in mind that it does not matter how educational it is, if the software is not fun to play your child won’t play it.

Educational Software and Computer Use Falls into Four Broad Categories:

• Educational Games: Software programs that help strengthen specific academic skills related to subjects, like math, science and language arts.
• Creativity: Programs that create animation, music, photographs, and also drawings and paintings.
• Reference: Programs that provide wide information on many subjects that would help children in completing school assignments and projects like the CD-ROM’s which have entire set of encyclopedias.
• General Tools such as Word processors: Just as vinyl records were replaced by compact discs, so have typewriters by computers. There are programs that are specially designed for children such as typing tutors. With these programs, children go through the process step by step to create and write documents. There are also programs that allow children to decorate with graphics and colours.

Teachers and parents must consider if the technology meets the needs of different learning styles. How can you help children enhance their multiple intelligences with the use of technology.