"Introducing Young Children to Computers" C. Odman Presented at: Global Hands-On Universe Lisbon, Portugal July 2008

1. Introducing young children to computers
Dr. C.J.Ödman,
Universe Awareness
contact: carolina.odman@unawe.org
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
Why introduce computers at an early age?
• Computers are everywhere
– The more they are understood, the more they are
invisible
• Potential for a divide
– Can / can-nots more than have / have-nots
• Advantage of an early introduction
– Eagerness of children
– Pre-emption of preconceptions
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
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2. How to introduce computers & at what age?
• Before 3 unnecessary
– computers don’t help learning of crawling, talking,
walking and making friends.
• Ages 3 - 4
– Ready to explore the computer
– Need time
– Do together (kids together or with adults)
– Positive influence on the child’s development:
Cause-effect, dexterity, abstraction
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
How to introduce computers & at what age?
• Ages 5 - 7
– Ready to explore with the computer
– Free choices
– Independence in learning pace
– Interface (soft- and hardware) important: can hinder
learning
– Peer learning most efficient but only small groups
possible
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
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3. Requirements and recommendations
• Teacher preparation
– Know the potential & desirable learning outcomes
• !! Don’t use a new technology to teach in
traditional ways !!
– Not good: Drill and practice, Instructional activities,
don’t replace thinking by searching!
– Good: Creative activities, Concrete experiences,
kids’ control of learning, learning together, teach
powerful ideas
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
Summary
• Below the age of 3, computers cannot really be
considered educational
• Kids may take on new technology easily but it
does not mean they have an easy time learning
• Integrate computer-based learning in a wider
learning context
• Don’t let the computer do the thinking
• When the computer is as invisible as the glass
of a window, it can be used to enhance the
learning experience greatly.
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
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4. Conclusion
• A healthy introduction to computers at ages 4 -
7 is:
– Very useful to demystify computers and pre-empt a
skills divide among children
– Probably necessary in today’s world
– Not the solution
• If it has not occurred at a young age, it can be
caught up fairly easily
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
What is UNAWE?
• Expose very young (4 - 10 years),
underprivileged children to inspirational aspects
of astronomy
• Broaden young formative minds
• Awaken curiosity in science
• Stimulate world citizenship
GHOU meeting, Lisbon, July 18, 2008 http://www.unawe.org/
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