You are here:

Child’s play: Exploring computer software through theories of play
PROCEEDINGS

, , , , University of Wollongong, Australia

EdMedia + Innovate Learning, in Lugano, Switzerland ISBN 978-1-880094-53-2 Publisher: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE), Waynesville, NC

Full Text

Abstract

The developments of increasingly sophisticated computer technologies, and growing access to computers in both homes and schools, have seen a proliferation of computer programs and games in children's play. Such programs are commonly used in Early Childhood settings as appealing and valuable forms of computer-based play. Whilst it is important to judge such software on the basis of its learning outcomes, it is equally important to look at the developmental value of its play component. This paper provides a brief overview of classical and modern theories of play and presents a framework for using these theories as a basis for assessing the developmental value of computer software programs for young children. An example of this approach in practice, involving the evaluation of software by preservice Early Childhood educators, is presented.

Citation

Verenikina, I., Lysaght, P., Harris, P. & Herrington, J. (2004). Child’s play: Exploring computer software through theories of play. In L. Cantoni & C. McLoughlin (Eds.), Proceedings of ED-MEDIA 2004--World Conference on Educational Multimedia, Hypermedia & Telecommunications (pp. 4070-4074). Lugano, Switzerland: Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE). Retrieved October 24, 2021 from .

© 2004 Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education (AACE)

Keywords

References

View References & Citations Map
  1. Bateson, G. (1976). A theory of play and fantasy. In J.S. Bruner, A. Jolly, & K. Sylva, (Eds.), Play: Its role in development and evolution. New York: Basic Books.
  2. Berlyne, D.E. (1960) Conflict, arousal and curiosity. New York: McGraw Hill.
  3. Bodrova, E. & Leong, D.J. (1996) The Vygo tsk ian approach to ear ly ch i ldhood. Ohio: Merrill, Prentice Hall. Clements, D. H. (1995) Playing with computers, playing with ideas. Educational Psycho logy Review , 7 (2): 203207.
  4. Dockett, S. & Fleer, M. (1999) Play and pedagogy in early childhood . Marrickville, NSW: Harcourt Brace. Ellis, M.J. (1973) Why do peop le p lay? Englewood Cliffs, N.J: Prentice Hall. Erikson, E. (1963) Ch i ldhood and soc ie ty . New York: Norton.
  5. Freud, A. (1968) The psychoanalytic treatment of children. New York: International Universities Press. Freud, S. (1959) Beyond the pleasure principle. (J. Strachey, Transl.) New York: Norton. Groos, K. (1898) The play of animals. New York: D. Appleton & Co. Groos, K. (1901) The play of man . New York: D. Appleton & Co.
  6. Leontiev, A. N. (1981) Problems of the development of the mind. Moscow: Progress Publishers. Mead, G.H. (1934) Mind, self and society. Chicago: University Of Chicago Press.
  7. Nikolopolou, A. (1993) Play, cognitive development and the social world: Piaget, Vygotsky, and beyond. Human Development, 36: 1-23.
  8. Patrick, G.T.W. (1916) The psychology of relaxation. New York: Houghton Mifflin Piaget, J. (1962) Play, Dreams and imitation in c h i ldhood. NY: Norton.
  9. Rieber, L.P. (1996) Seriously considering play: Designing interactive learning environments based on the blending of microworlds, simulations and games. Educational Technology Research and Development, 44 (2), 43-58. Smilansky, S. (19 68) The effects of sociodramatic play on disadvantaged preschool children . New York: Wiley. Spencer, H. (1873) The principles of psychology . New York: D. Appleton & Co.
  10. Verenikina, I., Harris, P. & Lysaght, P. (2003) Child’s play: Computer games, theories of play and children’s development. In J. Wright, A. McDougall, J. Murnane& J. Lowe (Eds.). Young Children and Learning Technology. Conference in Research and Practice in Information Technology. Vol. 34. Sydney, Australian Computer Society. Pp. 99-107
  11. Vygotsky, L. S. (1977) Play and its role in the mental development of the child. In J.S. Bruner, A. Jolly, & K. Sylva, (Eds.), Play: Its role in development and evolution . New York: Basic Books.
  12. Vygotsky, L. (1978) Mind in society. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

These references have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. Signed in users can suggest corrections to these mistakes.

Suggest Corrections to References

Cited By

View References & Citations Map

These links are based on references which have been extracted automatically and may have some errors. If you see a mistake, please contact info@learntechlib.org.