Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Computer Play, Young Children And The Development Of Higher Order Thinking: Exploring The Possibilities, Irina Verenikina, Janice Herrington

I. Verenikina

The aim of this paper is to explore and review current understanding of the potential of computer play to enhance young children’s cognitive development, as compared to the developmental value of traditional make-believe play in which children spontaneously engage during their early childhood years. Theories of play have identified many ways in which traditional play may advance children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. Recently, much traditional childhood play is being replaced by time spent on computer play, and often from a very early age. To produce software that is appealing to young children, designers aim to present content in a …