Workshop on Virtual Reality of Modern Childhood

Abstract

The paper presents materials of a workshop on the role of computer technologies in early and preschool childhood. Among the participants of the workshop were specialists in computer games, researchers and practitioners working with children of that age (psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians and others). Almost everybody agreed that the topic of the workshop was highly relevant. Recent sociological studies show that computer technologies have literally infiltrated early childhood and even infancy. Examples of computer games for infants, toddlers and preschoolers were demonstrated at the workshop, as well as the outcomes of a pilot comparative research on child activity with ‘real’ and electronic materials. The participants discussed the impact of computer games on the development of young children, the role of parents in introducing computers to children, and possible criteria in the evaluation of computer games for children. It was acknowledged that there is an obvious need for a specific scientific attitude that would help analyse the current situation.