Computer Games on the Development of Physical Motor Skills and Social Interaction in Preschool Children: Quasi-Experimental Study.
Computer game sessions linked to greater gross motor skill gains in preschoolers
Computer Games on the Development of Physical Motor Skills and Social Interaction in Preschool Children: Quasi-Experimental Study.
As information technology becomes increasingly pervasive in early childhood education, the impact of digital gameplay on developmental outcomes has emerged as a critical research frontier.
This study evaluates the efficacy of computer game-based instructional activities in enhancing the gross motor skills and social interactions of preschool children.
Were assigned to either an experimental group (n=41) or a control group (n=20) based on existing classroom structures.
greater gains in gross motor skills than standard curriculum
Specifically, marked gains were observed in advanced motor skills: standing on one leg for 5 seconds, walking heel-to-toe for 5 steps, and hopping on one leg 5 times.
Post intervention, no statistically significant differences were found between groups regarding total social interaction scores.
However, the children reported high engagement, with a mean preference score of 4.18 (SD 0.79).
Qualitative observations of 3 children with developmental delays revealed a transformative shift from passive observation to active social engagement and positive affect.
This study demonstrates that digital game interventions can effectively facilitate gross physical motor gains in early childhood.
It is innovative in its integration of digital gameplay specifically targeted at gross motor skill acquisition.
Furthermore, it differs from existing literature by providing empirical evidence of how game-based instruction can be seamlessly embedded into preschool physical education.
This study highlights the potential of computer game-based instruction as a viable supplementary tool for physical education.