Improving Executive Functioning Skills with Video Games and

Digital Media

Randy Kulman, Ph.D.randy@learningworksforkids.com

@rkulman

James Daleyjdaley@learningworksforkids.com

@jamesdaley

2012 ATAP Assistive Technology ConferenceNovember 29 2012

LearningWorks for Kids is an online educational technology guide providing personalized video game and app recommendations for kids with special needs, developmental disorders, and

executive functioning difficulties.

What We Believe• Every technology is an educational

technology.

• Parents, teachers, clinicians and other adults must first educate themselves

• Technology alone is not enough.

• Kids need digital mentors.

about technology before they can help children with technology.

Alternative Learners

Autistic Spectrum Disorders

ADHD

Learning Disabilities

Behavioral Problems

Anxiety and Depression

Executive Functioning Problems

Difficulties for Alternative Learners

• Academic

• Behavioral

• Social

• Executive Functions

What are Executive Functions?

• Cognitive capacities that enable independent, purposeful, goal-directed behavior

• The CEO or the conductor of the brain

• A collection of brain processes that guide thought and behavior

• Located primarily in the prefrontal cortex but involving other neural networks

Executive Functions and Alternative Learners

• EFs develop slowly in many developmental disorders.

• Example

• Example

• Example

• Example

Alternative Learners and Technology

• Many Alternative Learners are drawn to technology

• Example

• Example

• Some Alternative Learners may have problems with technology

• Concern

• Concern

The LearningWorks for Kids Model

Improving executive functions with technology.

• Identify which skills children need help with.

• Find the best games and technologies for each child’s unique learning needs.

• Set a balanced Play Diet.

• Learn how to connect screen time to real-world situations and opportunities for learning.

• Finding other teaching opportunities for developing executive skills.

How do digital technologies teach executive functions?

• "It's not about the game.”

• Games as a vehicle for "engaging the gears" of a child's brain

• Opportunities for children to practice an executive skill in a fun and engaging fashion

• A teaching opportunity for parents, teachers, and clinicians

• An opportunity to detect, reflect, and connect on the use of executive skills

Executive Functions in video games

Angry Birds Space• Gameplay utilizes Focus, Planning,

and Flexibility.

• Skills essential for ADHD

Instagram• Instagram requires Flexibility and Self-

Awareness.

• Skills essential for Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

Braid• Practices reading skills in short sections,

between fun and engaging gameplay.

• Great for helping kids with dyslexia and other reading problems.

ChoiceWorks

• Assistive app for establishing visual schedules for transitioning students and children through multi-step tasks and routines.

• Great for kids with ASD and other problems managing time and emotions.

Research.

Research on Executive/Thinking Skills and

Video Games• LWK pilot research on differentiated instruction,

targeting areas of EF weakness with video games• Combination of board and video games improve fluid

reasoning and processing speed (Mackey, 2011)• Working memory video games improve WM, fluid

reasoning skills (Cogmed studies)• Computer-based training improves executive

attention in preschoolers (Rueda, 2005)• Video game like math and reading programs improves

learning, reduces attention symptoms• Games (non video) that increase cognitive load and

used as a teaching tool by parents reduce ADHD symptoms in Preschoolers (Halperin, 2012)

Research on Thinking Skills and Video Games

• Games (non video) that increase cognitive load and used as a teaching tool by parents reduce ADHD symptoms in Preschoolers (Halperin, 2012)

• Combination of board and video games improve fluid reasoning and processing speed (Mackey, 2011)

• Working memory video games improve WM, fluid reasoning skills (Cogmed studies)

• Computer-based training improves executive attention in preschoolers (Rueda, 2005)

Research indicating computerized instruction can promote learning and

attention with children with ADHD

• Clarfield and Stoner; early reading skill development--Headsprout

• Ota and DuPaul; math skills practice—Math Blaster

• Mautone, DuPaul, Jitendra; math skills

Research indicating computerized instruction can promote learning and attention for children with

and without disabilities

• Improves processing speed (Green and Bevalier, 2009)

• Improves working memory (Klingberg, et al, 2007)

• Increases pro-social behaviors (Gentile et al, 2009)

• Improves problem solving skills (Gee, 2007)• Enhances social involvement (Ferguson, 2010)• Improves effectiveness of psychotherapy

(Ceranoglu, 2010)• Learning of academic content and

improvement (David Shaffer)

Concerns and Solutions

Common concerns about technology and Alternative

Learners

• Video Game “Addiction”

• Withdrawing from social activities

• Lack of physical play

• Neglecting responsibilities

• Inappropriate content

Responsible Digital Mentoring

• Play Diet

• Digital Literacy

• Play Together

• Make it Work

Play Diet

• Digital Play is just one part of a balanced Play Diet.

• Social Play, Active Play, Creative Play, and Free Play.

• Neglecting digital play is just as bad as allowing too much digital play.

• Digital Play can be active, social, creative, and free.

Digital Literacy

• Don’t just read about it: use it!

• Play what your kids are playing.

• Ask your kids for help and recommendations.

• Functional literacy, critical literacy, rhetorical literacy (Selber, 2004)

• Consume, Critique, and Create.

Play Together

• Talk before, during, and after gameplay. Choose gameplay goals with your child.

• Have fun playing the game with your child!

• Reflect on gameplay, emphasizing the use of the targeted thinking or academic skills.

• Direct your discussion to how these same skills are useful in daily activities.

Make it Work

• Explain the benefits of digital play,and introduce the skills being exercised in the game.

• Encourage non-digital activities that use the same skills.

• Regularly connect game-based skills to things your child is struggling with in the real-world.

learningworksforkids.com

Assessments

Recommendations

PlayBooks

Videos

Articles and Advice

Randy Kulman, Ph.D.randy@learningworksforkids.com

@rkulman

James Daleyjdaley@learningworksforkids.com

@jamesdaley

Thank You!

www.learningworksforkids.com@lw4k