The National Center for Ed Stats (2005) tells us that children as young as three years old are not only using computers but the Internet as well. Specifically, the NCES (2005) reported that 67 percent of nursery school children and 80 percent of kindergarten students were computer users. Furthermore, NCES (2005) reports that about "23 percent of children in nursery school used the Internet, and about one-third (32 percent) of kindergarteners did so" (p.1).

As parents you might ask "What is wrong with that?  Why shouldn't my daughter do this?  She will need to know how to use them soon enough." Some educators might respond that young children (ages seven and under) should be playing with each other not playing on the Internet.

Other educators may respond that since technology is every where, it is their responsibility to teach children to use technology to support and demonstrate their learning as well as to entertain and communicate. Well, each educator may be on to something. Young children can use technology to prepare themselves for their future and it does not only have to be a computer and the Internet.

Consider the following examples of non-computer technology use by young children.

* Voice recorders - At two years old some children are attempting to talk. A voice recorder can support the attainment of articulation skills. Your child can record herself talking to you, play it back and practice saying words she has difficulty saying. Likewise you can record a story, song, poem or something similar so your child can listen and learn to pronounce words correctly while also improve listening skills.

* Books on CD - Speaking of listening children can listen to books on CD with or without you or a book. One benefit of listening with you present is that can you talk about the story later. Doing so will enable you to see if your child understands what the story is about and gives you a chance to clarify misunderstandings. Another benefit is listening to books on CD is that is enables your child to visualize the events and people in the story thus encouraging creativity and attention to detail.

* Digital cameras - Another piece of technology appropriate for a young child is the digital camera both still and video. While outside your child can take pictures of what he observes and then create a story based on the pictures. Another example is to take pictures of family members and create family tree.

The above examples involve non-computer technology to enable children to be creative, engaged with others, and show what they know. Knowing that most children as young as age 3 use computers and the Internet below are suggestions to help parents help young children to use technology to support learning, engage others, and play.

* If you have a computer at home, put the computer in a public space such as a family room, kitchen, or den.

* Restrict the amount of time that your young child uses any technology but especially computers and the internet (e.g., only on the weekends for 1 hour or 2-30 minute blocks or 30 minutes after school). Young children need to have social interactions/engagements.

* Sit at or near your child while he is on the computer so you can make sure they are not at web sites that are inappropriate.

* Purchase software that is developmentally appropriate for your child. If possible, use the software yourself before letting your young child use it. Such software can be found/purchased at

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