Kindergartners Perception of the Classroom Computer

Computers have an overwhelming influence in the school and home environment. Computers are available in many early childhood classrooms and young children have easy access to them. This case study examined the youngest members of the elementary school’s perception of the classroom computer. A seven-week research study explored the role of the computer in a kindergarten classroom. Sixteen kindergartners were interviewed and observed. The children’s perceptions of the computer were recorded through conversations, interactions with the computer, classroom observations and computer lab observations. Computer programs, computer integration and the role of the teacher were examined. Results from the interpretation of the data revealed that kindergartners like learning and playing on the computers and that appropriate use of the computers contributes to the kindergartners social/emotional and cognitive development. The classroom teacher plays a pivotal role as the facilitator and integrator of computer technology. The research indicated that computers do enhance children’s intellectual and social development as long as computer interactions are carefully introduced, monitored, and assimilated into the classroom