In this day and age, it's important to get kids familiarised with technology as early as possible. By the time today's toddlers are going to school, a greater chunk of their learning will be through hands-on technology. Already, some secondary schools here recommend a touch-screen tablet as an essential piece of classroom equipment for every pupil. When my youngest was just six years old, his homework sometimes involved logging onto a Maths website and completing tasks set by the teacher - it was expected even at that age to know how to use a browser.
Games are the best way for kids - and adults - to learn how to use the technology. I'm old enough to remember when Windows was first introduced to our office, and everyone was required to spend time playing Minesweeper as part of their training, so they could get used to using a mouse.
Here, the BBC has its own educational games website for the 3 - 5 age group, based around kids' TV characters. Introducing kids to videogames at an early age is a good thing. It helps them learn to read and to do simple maths without even realising it. But it should have its place among the rest of the kid's toys and activities, and time in front of the screen should be limited. For one thing, their eyesight is not fully developed until they're around six, so it is best not to let them strain their eyes.
It's important to be with them when they play, though, and particularly if it's on a PC, because they quickly learn how to click on links and browse! So I would say choose educational games, but be involved with it - don't let the technology become a babysitter.
