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Seven-month integrated computer intervention with 32 activities using open-ended and close-ended software

Design · All designs
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q2 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

The intervention was a program of 32 computer activities (four software packages, eight activities each) designed by the researcher and implemented with two teachers over seven months. It followed an integration philosophy in which "the computer was 'one more centre' in the preschool class and the extension of curriculum areas was attempted". Software included open-ended programs (Paint, Kid Pix Deluxe 4) for exploring and creating, and close-ended programs (Adiboo, Putt-Putt Joins the Circus) for mouse control and curriculum-linked activities. Preschool children participated twice weekly for 20-30 minutes; preps once weekly for 45 minutes.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • Teachers were given lesson plans, examples and written and electronic instructions in advance, with regular researcher contact to ensure consistency of delivery

Constraints

  • Software selection was limited by availability, usability and teachers' prior unfamiliarity with the programs

Target Learners

  • children aged 44-79 months in preschool and prep classes

Learning Goals

  • familiarity with computers as tools integrated across curriculum areas
  • mouse control
  • curriculum skills such as shapes, letters, numbers and animals

Claims

Examples

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Key Sources

  • Hatzigianni, M. (2014). 'I like computers but my favourite is playing outside with my friends': Young children's beliefs about computers. International Research in Early Childhood Education, 5(1). https://www.education.monash.edu.au/irecejournal/
Page metadata
Field Value
type design
id seven-month-computer-intervention-32-activities
title Seven-month integrated computer intervention with 32 activities using open-ended and close-ended software
description The intervention was a program of 32 computer activities (four software packages, eight activities each) designed by the researcher and implemented with two teachers over seven months.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-02
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — hatzigianni-2014

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