Selection parameters of computer games for pre-school children education and development

Abstract

Selection of computer games for successful educational activities with children is a rather complex process which requires multiple-aspect problem analysis. Nowadays, a pre-school teacher usually has to choose out of a huge number of commercial software products, quality of which is very difficult to determine. This article justifies pedagogically significant parameters of computer games selection and creation, considering psycho-pedagogical factors and contemporary pre-school children development specifics. Materials and/or methods: study and consolidation of psycho-pedagogical and methodical literature; data analysis, generalization, and systematization. Results: distinguishing of main parameters, most significant for determination of software quality, as well as possibility to use the software in pre-school children education: child computer program has to be gaming in form; has to correspond to pre-school children psycho-physiological capabilities; has to be pedagogically targeted to implement pre-school children development, upbringing and education. Specific aspects of pre-school children interaction with computer have to be taken into account for software environment development. Computer game structure has to be built with respect to timing standards during tasks execution. Availability of methodical documentation and supporting materials can be a computer game quality characteristic. Conclusion: consideration of selected parameters when choosing computer games for pre-school children allows maximizing their educational potential, as well as increasing development efficiency, and saving children’s health.