Relationship between Parental Perception and Young Childrens' Usage of Computers

摘要

The present research was conducted to study the relationship between parental perception and young children's usage of computers. The sample for the study comprised of 100 preschool children in the age group 3-6 years and their parents. The tools used for collecting information were self devised Questionnaire and Interview Schedule. Results of the study revealed that on an average, the sample children spent less than 5 hours per week on the computers and most of that time was utilized for recreational activities. Majority of the parents responded that computer helped their children in exploring new technology. Childrens7 knowledge about colours, shapes, letters also developed by using computers. However, large number of parents also expressed concern that eyesight of their children got affected by using computers. Parental perception about computers was found to be independent of parental occupation and education. However, duration of computer used by children varied according to parental perception since parents having more positive perception about computers allowed their children to use computer more frequently. The study points to a need for strengthening positive parental perception about used of computers for children's learning.