MyVirtualChild
Pearson's decision-making learning simulation for early childhood
The experiential-based learning simulation, where students can virtually raise a child and observe key developmental milestones. Included within Revel® Child Development and Lifespan Development products.
In this customisable virtual world, students play the role of the parent during the early childhood stages – from birth to age 18. They respond to realistic scenarios by choosing amongst several options, and learn how parental choices impact development.
Through this decision-making process, MyVirtualChild familiarises students with the basic concepts of human development that occur in real life, combined with environmental and genetic factors.
A range of features students can apply to relate and identify with their virtual child
Customisable digital avatars offer students the opportunity to
- create and customise the appearance of their virtual child, engendering a deeper connection between themselves and their virtual world
- complete the quizzes to determine the look and personality type of their virtual child
A diverse cast of characters encourages students to
- create a virtual world they recognise, and as a result, better resonate with what they learn
- indicate the gender identity of themselves and their partners, including the use of their preferred pronouns
- create siblings who might be neurotypical or within the autism or learning disability spectrum
- create side characters in their virtual community such as family members, friends, and neighbours
The new, prenatal section allows students to understand that
- development does not simply begin at birth
- there are important factors during pregnancy that play a crucial role in a child's development and behaviour
Contemporary cultural features, integrated throughout enable students to
- choose amongst a diverse immigrant and socioeconomic status for their child, as well as cultural and ethnic background
- further customise the role of faith and spirituality in their virtual family
- experience scenarios such as the child's digital literacy and the impact of social media on its development
- contextualise the virtual learning experience within today’s world
Further features students can access include
sophisticated feedback delivered by virtual paediatricians, teachers, and psychologists, demonstrating how students' decisions affect their child’s development over time
- reflective writing prompts connect MyVirtualChild to course content and informed future parenting decisions
Have a Look Inside MyVirtualChild in this video - the interactive simulation in child Developmental Psychology.
About the authors of MyVirtualChild
Frank Manis, University of Southern California
Dr Manis is the creator of MyVirtualChild and MyVirtualLife. As a child development instructor for over 40 years, Dr Manis is passionate about promoting the use of technology to facilitate student learning. The major focus of his research has been on identifying the differences in cognitive profiles among children with reading difficulties.
Nancy Miodrag, California State University, Northridge
Dr Miodrag is an associate professor in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development. Her research interests include psychological stress, health, and well-being in mothers and their children with various intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also interested in the psycho-educational techniques used to intervene to reduce stressors and promote adaptive coping in these families.
Create your own virtual child assignment