An Exploratory Study of How Pre-Kindergarten Children Use the Interactive Multimedia Technology: Implications for Multimedia Software Design

Min Liu

Journal of Computing in Childhood Education, Vol 7,
No. 1/2 1996, p. 71-92

Literature has indicated that computers have a potential to support children in all stages of development. To enhance children's learning through technology, it is important to understand how children use computers. This study explores the use of interactive multimedia by three-to five-year olds. Through a close examination of the young children's verbal and facial expressions, their use of mouse, their body movement, and their attitudes toward multimedia as well as their teachers' comments, this study showed that multimedia technology with its use of video, audio, and graphics could engage children at a longer period of time. The children demonstrated a great interest in using the technology and had little difficulty in adjusting to the new learning environment. Although many children were exposed to the technology for the first time, it was obvious that these children were ready for the technology. The results also indicated that using developmentally appropriate materials and allowing children to have control of the program are important factors to keep them interested. Implications for multimedia software design based upon the findings of the study are also discussed.

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