Does your child's preschool have a computer that the kids use as part of their learning?

[JoshandJamie]

And if so, are you happy about it?

The benefits are obviously the development of computer skills early on as pcs are so much part of life these days, but it seems to fly in the face of kids spending too much time in front of screens and not having an active life.

Everything in moderation I suppose, but I just wondered how prevalent computer usage is amongst preschoolers and what people's thoughts on it are.

Pickledpear, perhaps you shouldn't raffle off those things yet. Our playgroup DOES have a digital camera and the 2-4 year-olds do use it both for stills and for short films! They absolutely love it, and it's really enhanced many areas of their play and learning.

For example, they can take a photo of something they've made from one of the construction toys, that would otherwise just be broken up at the end of the session. We've then got a permanent record to keep on our files, or for them to show a parent, or print off a picture to take home.

Or they can make a 20-second film of their friends dressed up and acting out whatever game they're playing. It's great for concentration and co-ordination.

Having said that, our computer and/or digital camera aren't used every week, and when they are used it's for very short sessions. It's just another tool, one of many we use at playgroup. And yes, sometimes the computer is very educational, but sometimes it's just plain fun, but isn't that what a pre-school is about?