ICT and Early ICT and Early Childhood:Childhood:

the use of computer- and internet- based the use of computer- and internet- based educational games educational games

By Angela Hawks and Carlie ReasonBy Angela Hawks and Carlie Reason

Interactive computer/ video games

Defined as: Type of activity performed on

screen that follows a game structure

Consisting of: specific rulesboundaries and Rewards

Kids and Computer- Internet based games

• utilised as springboard for developing computing skills & strategies in early childhood classroom

• Basic skills appear in these games– Using a mouse– Navigating around the screen– Clicking, dragging, double clicking &

other fundamental skills Used-

by any age group in every country throughout the world in both school and home contexts

Rationale for choosing this topic

As ICT’s are so pervasive in society with the coming of the digital age, it is valuable to learn the skills associated with their use from an early age (Shaffer, 2006).

– in the 2006 financial year, Australians spent more than $1 billion on digital game hardware and software (Department of Education and Training, 2010)

– 79% of Australian households have a device for

playing computer and video games (reference)

'Commonwealth of Australia' study-'Commonwealth of Australia' study-94% of students had played 94% of students had played

computer gamescomputer games19% of those at school19% of those at school

ICT can help change teaching and ICT can help change teaching and learninglearning

Student centered Student centered Skill appropriateSkill appropriate

Government & teachers are focusing on Government & teachers are focusing on the benefits that technological literacy the benefits that technological literacy brings to the classroom.brings to the classroom.

Teachers are utilizing computer games Teachers are utilizing computer games as yet another method of catering to as yet another method of catering to the different cognitive learning needs.the different cognitive learning needs.

2005 report found children who used 2005 report found children who used appropriate software had improved:appropriate software had improved:

IQ scoresIQ scoresNon- verbal skillsNon- verbal skillsDexterity and Dexterity and Long- term memoryLong- term memory

Governments support by policy & initiatives allowing schools to allocate substantial portions of their annual budgets to technology.

Parents’ thoughts on computer games

many positive aspects of game play other than enjoyment & happiness.

73% of parents say games help their children to learn about technology.

68% say games help their children to learn maths.

64% say games help their children to learn to plan

Recent article: 'Aussie kids struggle with

computers'

• Only 57% of year 6 students reached or exceeded the proficient standard for ICT literature

Developmental benefits from computer

games

Increased hand/ eye coordination Motor skills honed Problem- solving skills utilised Strategy and planning required to play Decision- making required for play Logic skills developed Goal setting Multi-tasking An improved sense of self- esteem from mastering

skills & progressing through levels

Social benefits from computer games

Team- building & collaborationnegotiation Learning a sense of fairness Learning to take turns Online interaction Conversational skillsVisit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfBiMmv4qt4 to hear more

about the interactional benefits of computer and online games

Educational benefits from computer games

Assist in recall and information retrieval

Helps to develop cognitive skillsCan embed curriculum (eg. Maths

concepts)Provide opportunities for learning

that may be inaccessible offline

• www.PoissonRouge.com• www.SesameStreet.org/games• www.SproutOnline.com• www.Starfall.com• www.uptoten.com• www.amathsdictionaryforkids.com• www.writingfun.com• www.rainforestmaths.com

The media Media have not portrayed computer games &

VEM favourably.

Heated debates blaming content for promoting aggressive, violent behaviour & other socially frowned upon attitudes and behaviours.

High exposure to VEM is claimed to cause High exposure to VEM is claimed to cause behavioural deterioration & disorders such as:behavioural deterioration & disorders such as:

ADDADDADHD &ADHD &Other cognitive & development problems in Other cognitive & development problems in

children.children.

How to maximise benefits: regulate the amount of time that children play

Experts recommend between 1 & 2 hours of electronic media per day (including tv)

Supervise or select games for children based on: the content of the gameThemes and concepts portrayedSkills and abilities required to playOutcomes desired from play

Take a minute now to view http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6-6f9CkmvE

Ideal ages for computer games

Researchers do not recommend for under 3’s as they do not match their learning style

3-4 year olds can benefit when playing in small groups

4- 8 years can play individually to further concept grasp

3-4 yo children who use computers 3-4 yo children who use computers have significantly greater have significantly greater

developmental gains such as developmental gains such as increased:increased:

IntelligenceIntelligenceNonverbal skillsNonverbal skillsStructural knowledgeStructural knowledgeLong- term memoryLong- term memoryManual dexterityManual dexterityVerbal skillsVerbal skillsProblem solvingProblem solvingAbstractionAbstractionConceptual skillsConceptual skills

5 points to ponder:Computer and video games areComputer and video games are

a natural teachera natural teacher Highly motivatingHighly motivating

InteractiveInteractiveProvide repeated practiceProvide repeated practice

Include rewards for skilful playInclude rewards for skilful play

Video gamesVideo games that take me places away from harsh reality,that take me places away from harsh reality, that allow me to be the kind of person I want to that allow me to be the kind of person I want to

be,be, that test my abilities,that test my abilities, that raise my awareness level,that raise my awareness level, that teach me strategy,that teach me strategy, that improve my hand-eye coordination,that improve my hand-eye coordination, that teach me math skills,that teach me math skills, that teach me history,that teach me history, that teach me a foreign language,that teach me a foreign language, that are mostly made of RPG's, FPS's, and RTS's,that are mostly made of RPG's, FPS's, and RTS's,

made me who I am made me who I am today.today.(Written by a 14yo gifted boy)(Bainbridge, 2010)(Written by a 14yo gifted boy)(Bainbridge, 2010)

Thank you!• Please take a few minutes to complete

our survey located at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7PJR7YV References• Shaffer, D. W., (2006) How Computer Games Help Children Learn,

(online edition) Palgrave Macmillan, accessed 22 April 2010 from: http://site.ebrary.com.ezproxy.usq.edu.au//lib/unisouthernqld/docDetail.action?docID=10185576

• Finger, G., Russell, G., Jamieson-Proctor, R., and Russell, N., (2007). Transforming Learning with ICT: Making it Happen, Pearson Education Australia: Frenchs Forest.

• The Department of Education and Training, (2010). Smart Classrooms: games in learning, accessed 22 April 2010 from: http://education.qld.gov.au/smartclassrooms/strategy/dp/games.html