Computers in Early Childhood Classrooms K-3: Advantage or Disadvantage? The national average of computers to students is 1:15. According to a number of uncovered sources, there are over 3 million computers in the U.S. public schools today. Additionally, over 95% of all elementary and secondary schools now have at least one computer for instructional use, compared to 18% just ten years ago. Former President Clinton stated, ?In our schools, every classroom in America must be connected to the information superhighway with good software, computers and well trained teachers?. He also requested a $250 million dollar increase to provide our youths with the technology rich learning opportunities they deserve. However, to meet the Clinton administrations technology goals: a computer for every five children, grades kindergarten upward, and the best software to enable all teachers to use computers in a classroom to teach will cost an estimated $4 billion this 1999-2000 school year.
United States
English: Official White House photo of President B...
English: Classroom in SIM University.Money for this technology will be made possible by the Georgia Lottery Association, but the questions that will be asked are the following: If many schools are failing at traditional mandates, why should the public and educational staff invest in this high-tech gimmick? Hasn't education done well enough without computers? What are the advantages and disadvantages of young children using computers? What role do educational software play? What role will computers in the lives of young children play in the long run? How will parents be involved into this new invention? Most importantly, what age can a child reasonable understand and develop the skills needed to use a computer? Computers present several advantages for our young children. For example, they offer a fascination for kids therefore drawing their attention, which results in a deeper focus and concentration, challenging their imagination and the ability to work at their own pace.