Software

There is so much software available that this makes it hard to select what is going to best suit your purposes. When choosing software and other information and communications technology (ICT) applications Developmentally Appropriate Technology for Early Childhood (DATEC) have provided useful guidance that will help practitioners evaluate the resource and ensure it is appropriate for early years. This guidance can be summarised as:

• Applications should be educational
• They should encourage collaboration
• They should be integrated into the play environment
• The child should be in control
• Applications should be transparent and intuitive
• Applications should not contain violence or stereotyping
• Awareness of health and safety issues
• There should be educational involvement of parents

See the DATEC website for more detailed information on each of these points.

It’s important not to have too much software, as there is not enough time for children to investigate and become familiar with too many programs. Decide on a ‘core’ set of software and any extra discs can be put into a ‘library’ for calling on for specific purposes. Software needs to fit in with the criteria above; is it ‘transparent and intuitive’, if it is clumsy and difficult for you to use and become familiar with it will be for the children as well. Can children navigate and use the software for their own purposes; will it fit in well with other experiences in the setting? Will children enjoy using the software with other children? Can you see how you can support children’s use of the software to develop their learning?

It is a good idea to select a balance between ‘content driven’ software e.g. a program designed specifically to teach recognition of numbers, and generic software that is more open ended e.g. paint programs. The later enable children to discover the computer as a tool that supports their experiences away from the computer.

Software companies usually offer 30-day evaluations. This is an excellent way to try out the software in your own setting with the children. This is highly recommended as it enables you to select with care and not end up with unwanted and unused software.

Click for suggestions of some key pieces of software that practitioners are finding work well to support young children’s learning.