Selecting or Upgrading Software and Web Sites in the Classroom

Three issues are important considerations when selecting or updating software and/or web sites for children’s use in classrooms or computers labs. The first issue is computer integration: products need to mesh with the goals or standards identified by the school, district or state. Second, violence should be avoided, especially if children initiate and control the violence. Third, the developmental appropriateness of programs is an essential consideration. The outstanding software and web sites for 2004 are reviewed and illustrated with screen captions.