ERIC Number: EJ1113801
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2155-6849
EISSN: N/A
Affordances and Constraints of Scaffolded Learning in a Virtual World for Young Children
Black, Rebecca W.; Reich, Stephanie M.
International Journal of Game-Based Learning, v1 n2 p52-64 2011
In recent years there has been a marked increase in the number of virtual worlds aimed at populations between the ages of 6 to14 years. This article examines the content and design of one such site, Webkinz World, as a sociocultural context for informal learning. Focusing on the design and activities of this site sheds light on the ways in which Webkinz World supports learning, especially for nascent users, and the apparent limits of these support structures as users gain more expertise.
Descriptors: Affordances, Barriers, Scaffolding (Teaching Technique), Educational Games, Video Games, Young Children, Informal Education, Instructional Design, Web Sites, Learning Activities, Computer Simulation, Elementary School Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A