A Developmental Study of Children's Computer‐Aptitude and Knowledge About Computer Technology

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Abstract
A new test of computer‐aptitude and knowledge about computer technologies for young children was developed based on the Computer Aptitude, Literacy and Interest Profile (Poplin, Drew and Gable, 1984). The measure of computer‐aptitude was based on tests of number estimation, comprehension of directions, and geometric color and form analogies. Young children's knowledge about computer technologies was measured in four subsections: 1) background experience, 2) technical knowledge, 3) awareness of understanding of the role of the computer in society, and 4) perception and understanding of how the computer works. Results from testing kindergarten and third‐grade children with equal experience are described and the implications of this type of research for issues in basic and applied developmental psychology are discussed.