cognitive advantages of a computer
...ract and higher levels of thinking. Other advantages of using word processing and graphics is the enhancement of the child's ability to organize, research, revise, and print attractive homework. These qualities help improve academic achievement and earn valuable praise (Bremer & Rauch, 1998). With computers, "students take charge of their own learning, learn to think critically and analytically, work collaboratively, and create products to demonstrate what they have learned" (Viadero, 1997, p. 12). Many children are more knowlegeable about the computer than their parents. Often this allows an opportunity to teach the adult. According to Bremer and Rauch (1998), by being computer literate and earning valuable praise from such an accomplishment improves self-esteem - another advantage of using the computer. This leads us to the socio-emotional advantages of young children using technology. Socio-emotional Advantages According to Jones and Selby (1997) computers can be used for self-expression and communication as a therapeutic process for children with behavioral and emotional difficulties due to unfortunate past social experiences (such as abuse). Jones & Selby conducted a study with young children (10-11 years old) who had difficulty expressing emotions. They used a software package called Bubble Dialogue to help assess communication through role-playing. In the past this software has been used only for educational purposes but Jones and Selby found it very helpful for child therapy. In the experiment each child used Bubble Dialogue with an adult (their parent, social worker, or therapist) during a number of sessions. The nature of the program is that a conversation takes place between the child and adult, not face to face, but rather by pretendin...