Korean J Child Stud. 1999; 20(3): 293-306.

Effects of Computer on Children's Spatial Skills and Short - term Memory Ability

컴퓨터 게임이 아동의 공간기술과 단기기억에 미치는 효과

이순형,서봉연,이소은,성미영

Soon Hyung Yi,Bong Yeon Suh,So Eun Lee,Mi Yong Sung

This study investigated children`s spatial skills and short term memory ability based on their practice with computer games. The 40 four-year-old and 40 six-year-old subjects were divided by experimental and control groups. Spatial skills of children were assessed by visual speed, mental rotation, and spatial visualization tasks. Short term memory was measured with a digit span task. Results showed that computer game practice enhanced children`s memory ability and spatial skills. Even 4-year-olds performed better on mental rotation and spatial visualization tasks after practice. The treatment effect was significant for visual speed of 6-year-olds, short term memory ability and mental rotation of 4-year-olds, and spatial visualization of both 4- and 6-year-olds