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Education is a hot subject in the professional and political arena.  Among the most important subjects is early childhood development.  Some tout early childhood development reduces economic deficits proving to be the highest return on investment (ROI). 

Group Of Children in early learning center Taking Part In Music Lesson

As a matter of fact, the the federal reserve suggests the ROI is as high as 12% after inflation.  Similarly a study the benefits of early childhood education show an increase in personal career achievement with an impact of 7 – 10% ROI.  Another study concludes children who receive early childhood education earn $2000 more a month than those who didn’t attend.  

Early Childhood Development Starts with Learning

Although early childhood education has a positive influence on the economy the individual developmental aspects are outstanding.  For instance, children who attend early childhood learning centers are more successful in school because it fosters “attentiveness, motivation, self control and sociability.”  

These cognitive skills are learned through active learning playtime that is essential to the early childhood learning curriculums. Accordingly research proves that early childhood is the most important time in forming the emotional and social well being of a child.  Furthermore, play and physical interaction, specifically develops children’s emotional and social well being.  

According to Kiddie Academy “play is the most important and effective way that young children learn.”  Technology is just as important, as early childhood education, to development.  Technology is necessary, essential, and important in childhood development.  In like manner, virtual reality is quickly becoming an essential part of a technology focused curriculum.

Virtual Reality Influences Childhood Development

Billions of investment dollars are pouring into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AG).  Why?  Not only is this the future but the research is outstanding.  VR and AR is said to alter behavior, thoughts, patterns, and attitudes. Comparatively the technology is helpful for teaching life skills to the hearing impaired.

In the same manner, it helps children with ADHD and autism to develop social skills that have been difficult to develop prior to VR and AR.  VR and AR is also used in intervention programs among teens to prevent smoking, smoking cessation, drug abuse, and mental health issues.  One reason the technology is so successful is that it enhances light, sound, and touch while diffusing real world clutter and noise that tends to overwhelm and limit child development.  

If you’re somewhat like me, I tend to put on my headphones in a coffee shop to power through my writing, office, work, projects, and reading etc.  

How many times have you sat down to read a book only to go three pages deep and realize you have no clue what you just read.  For this reason, I put on my headphones helping me control sensory overload.  It also helps with distraction and facilitate focus.  Imagine how a child must feel in the same situation.  To put it into perspective

“VR is the feeling of non-mediation; the sensation that there is no technology between the user and his or her sensory experience.”

Immersive virtual games develop both social and emotional cognition.  Yet another research is showing proof that immersive virtual games are reducing physical and emotional pain among children with cancer, in healthcare such as wound care and dental procedures.  Effects of VR in childhood development is fascinating.  

Benefits of interactive virtual games in early childhood development

1. Any space can become 3D
2. Physical movement is necessary to play
3. High interaction between players using touch and body
4. Similar to digital play but more lifelike & realistic
5. Social behavior increases among players
6. Sharing behavior increases among players
7. Increases learning through play

BEAM Interactive Gaming Projector

Here at beam we take education seriously.  Learning and playing go hand in hand.  At BEAM we have merged learning, play, virtual reality, and our passion for education.  We’ve developed an interactive gaming projector for interactive floor games that encourages social and physical interaction among kids.  We now that play is essential in development, but engaging with our children is equally important.  Engagement allows you to develop and teach relationship building to your children. Professor Jacobsen, a pioneer and advocate of play and nurturing children in early years stresses that when we do not engage with our children they develop a deep emotional neglect.   The emotional neglect prohibits them from building relationships in adulthood.  Similarly Zwolak the CEO of Lume Institute, reinforces that “children need laps not laptops.”  

Play comes naturally with BEAM

Alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, BEAM by EyeClick echoes the passion for play as a necessity for development.  Play should come naturally to children to encourage creativity, exploration and self advocacy.  At the same time play is imperative in academics.  It helps prepare kids to learn, problem solve, and primes for academic behavior.  Don’t take for granted that technology and playtime is crucial for a child’s development.  Early childhood education need VR.

About BEAM

BEAM is an interactive projector game system by EyeClick that is the future of VR and augmented reality.  The award-winning, innovative platform engages children through tailored games.  BEAM helps early learning centers provide an immersive education, while encourages children to indulge in physical activities to work up a healthy appetite for learning.  Learn more about BEAM

~~~J Franco is a freelance content writer and social media strategist for BEAM by EyeClick.  She is a graduate of the University of Southern California with a Master of Communication Management.  J is a marketing ninja by day who is always plotting her next global adventure where she can continue writing her personal memoir. Follow her here