The Computer as a 'Playable' Tool.

This paper reports the results of a 3-year study of children's use of computers in their homes and examines the implications of such use for educators. Subjects were over 400 children between ages 5 and 12 who came from a variety of social, economic, and cultural backgrounds in urban Sydney (Australia). The study aimed to develop knowledge and understanding about the reciprocal relationship that develops between the child and the computer within the socio-cultural context of the home, and it aimed to inform the work of educators who are seeking to develop programs using computing technologies within schools. Social discourses surrounding children's use of home computers are explored in ways that elucidate the relationship between discourse and affordances. Children's conceptions of computers as a playable tool are highlighted. Considered is the co-agency of the relationship between the child and the computer for educators who want to incorporate children's ways of learning and achieve effective integration of computing technologies in the curriculum. Contains 24 references. (Author/MES)