Advisor

• Dr. Paul Resta

Degree

• Masters

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to explore the motivational effects of computer-based learning with young children. The report presents a review of the literature related to the use of computer-based learning with preschool children and shares insights from a limited exploratory study of a prototype software program intended to facilitate concept development of young children. The computer-based program, Animal Safari, was developed for three- to five-year-old children. The pilot study sample was limited to four children ? two boys, 4 years and 4 years 6 months old, and two girls, 3 years 6 months and 4 years 8 months old. The results of the pilot study suggest that preschool children using computer-based program may result in higher intrinsic motivation than those receiving direct oral instruction in the similar instructional content.