It is very important that young children learn how to share, cooperate, understand others, and how to communicate clearly. Children learn these social skills when they interact with each other. Most child care providers make social development an important goal of their program. More and more, computers are being used in both center and family day care settings.
Computers offer many unique learning opportunities to children.
But some providers worry that playing with computers too much may interfere with children's social development. A study conducted by Carol Martin, Pat Dickson, and Francisco Villarruel at the University of Wisconsin-Madison suggests that so long as teachers structure the activity right, there is little cause for concern with young children using computers. Surprisingly, they found that interaction between children was highest during computer play. Dramatic play and snacktime were often dominated by more socially outgoing children. In contrast, pairing children for computer activities offered a greater chance for shy children to participate and talk.