Appropriate technology tools encourage learning activities that are self-paced and driven by the child's own interests and abilities. We encourage teachers to allow children to self-select software programs and activities. Children are allowed to manipulate the hardware and independently control the pace and direction of the software. Children experience controlling their environment and learn how to use the technology as a tool for communication and creative expression. We encourage teachers to provide environments where children participate as active learners.
Children use the computer as one of many ways of representing their learning.
A child may explore print by using traditional writing materials to create letters and words or a child may locate letters on the keyboard and display them on the computer screen. Appropriate technology tools introduce a variety of opportunities to support and extend cognitive and social development. We support the selection of software that provides opportunities for children to develop social skills. As children work together at the computer, they interact with each other, practice taking turns, and share thinking strategies. Appropriate technology tools recognize each child as an individual.