Virtual worlds: Young children using the internet

Abstract

There has been a dramatic increase in the number of young children using digital media. Children are regularly using the internet to play, communicate, and explore. Educators and researchers are beginning to examine the social and cognitive implications of children’s use of interactive media and the internet. Socio-cultural and ecological systems theories offer a perspective that can support our understanding of internet use and young children’s cognitive development. This chapter examines three popular internet applications: virtual worlds, virtual field trips, and tele-collaborative projects. Drawing on the ecological systems and sociocultural theories, implications for children’s development are considered.