Computer-assisted instructions may use animated graphics, color, and sound to enhance learning.

still preliminary, more detailed guidelines for apply-

ing CAI programmes in practice have yet to be

published. Preschool students need the opportunity

to apply their new skills in a variety of tasks for

generalization. In summary, the use of CAI pro-

grammes can be an effective tool for the teacher: a

tool which can be used to enhance learning academic

skills, promote maintenance of skills, and reinforce

learning through additional practice on a motivating

medium.

Finally in order to maximize the benefits of com-

puter use in education, all the educators should keep in

their minds this question: ‘‘Can we use technology to

teach the same old stuff in the same way or can we

capitalize on the benefits of technology by using inte-

grated computer activities to increase achievement?’’

(Clements & Sarama, 2002, pp. 340–343).

REFERENCES

Brown, D. (1996). Kids, computers, and constructivism. Journal of

Instructional Psychology,23, 189–195.

Carlson, S., & White, S. (1998). The effectiveness of a computer

program in helping kindergarten students learn the concepts of

left and right. Journal of Computing in Childhood Education,

9(2), 133–147.

Chera, P., & Wood, C. (2003). Animated multimedia ‘talking

booksÕcan promote phonological awareness in children

beginning to read. Learning and Instruction,13, 33–52.

Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2002). The role of technology in

early childhood learning. Teaching Children Mathematics,8(6),

340–343.

Din, F., & Calao, J. (2001). The effects of playing educational video

games on kindergarten achievement. Child Study Journal,

31(2), 95–102.

Elliot, A., & Hall, N. (1997). The impact of self-regulatory teaching

strategies on ‘‘at-risk’’ preschoolersÕmathematical learning in

a computer mediated environment. Journal of Computing in

Childhood Education,8, 187–198.

Escobedo, T. H., & Bhargava, A. (1991). A study of children

computer-generated graphics. Journal of Computing in Child-

hood Education,2(4), 3–25.

Fletcher-Flinn, C. M., & Gravatt, B. (1995). The efficacy of

computer assisted instruction (CAI): A meta-analysis. Journal

of Educational and Computing Research,12, 219–242.

Haugland, S. (1992). Effect of computer software on preschool

children developmentally gains. Journal of Computing in

Childhood Education,3(1), 15–30.

Kinzie, M. B., Sullivan, H. J., & Berdel, R. L. (1992). Motivational

and achievement effects of learner control over content review

within CAI. Journal of Educational Computing Research,8(1),

101–114.

Klein, P. S., Nir-Gal, O., & Darom, E. (2000). The use of

computers in kindergarten, with or without adult mediation:

effects on childrenÕs cognitive performance and behavior.

Computers in Human Behavior,16, 591–608.

Kulik, J. A. (1994). Meta-analytic studies of findings on computer-

based instruction. In E. L. Baker, & H. F. OÕNeil (Eds.),

Technology assessment in education and training. Hillsdale, NJ:

LEA Publishers.

McKethan, R., Everhart, B., & Sanders, R. (2001). The effects of

multimedia software instruction and lecture-based instruction

on learning and teaching cues of manipulative skills on

preservice physical education teachers. Physical Educator,

58(1), 2–13.

Moxley, R., Warash, B., Coffman, G., Brinton, K., & Concannon,

K. (1997). Writing development using computers in a class of

three-year-olds. Journal of Computing in Childhood Education,

8(2–3), 133–164.

Passig, D., & Levin, H. (1999). Gender interest differences with

multimedia learning interfaces. Computers in Human Behavior,

15, 173–183.

Reitsma, P., & Wesseling, R. (1998). Effects of computer-assisted

training of blending skills in kindergartners. Scientific Studies

of Reading,2(4), 301–320.

Segers, E., & Verhoeven, L. (2002). Multimedia support of early

literacy learning. Computer & Education,39, 207–221.

Shute, R., & Miksad, J. (1997). Computer assisted instruction and

cognitive development in preschoolers. Child Study Journal,

27(3), 237–253.

Spencer M., & Baskin L. (1997). Microcomputers and young

children. Urbana, IL: ERIC Clearinghouse on Elementary and

Early Childhood Education. (ERIC Document Reproduction

Service No. ED 327295 83).

Wilson-Gillespie, C. (2004). Seymour PapertÕs Vision for Early

Childhood Education? A Descriptive Study of Head Start and

Kindergarten Students in Discovery-based, Logo-rich Class-

rooms. Available at: http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v6n1/gillespie.html

[2004, spring].

104 Vernadakis, Avgerinos, Tsitskari, and Zachopoulou

Access to the complete full text

This is a short preview of the document. Your library or institution may give you access to the complete full text for this document in ProQuest.