Teacher-Assisted Computer Implementation: A Vygotskian Perspective

This article advances a framework for computer implementation based on Vygotsky's theory of socially mediated cognitive development. The approach suggested by this framework, teacher-assisted computer implementation, acknowledges the critical role of the adult or more skilled partners in task performance and knowledge construction. An application of this approach, designated as software with enhancement, is described as it was used to provide language enrichment with Head Start children. Implications of this approach for computer implementation in early childhood classrooms are discussed.