Cultivating Preschoolers Creativity Using Guided Interaction With Problem Solving Computer Games

Creative thinking is considered important factor for personal and social success in general. In addition, creativity as prerequisite to innovation is important for social and economic progress. The use of computer games for the development of creativity constitutes a modern challenge for the learning sciences. In this paper a case study is presented concerning the impact of a specific problem solving computer game ("Crayon Physics Deluxe" of Kloonigames) to the creativity of preschoolers under the guidance of a teacher/guardian. Research analysis considers the MSFM creativity test results, and Self-Efficacy measurement. Research results give evidence that the use of the game under the appropriate guidance of the teacher has positive impact to the fluency dimension of children's creative thinking as well as their self-efficacy. Teacher guidance appears to be an important scaffolding mechanism if it encourages children to find several solutions and/or to reflect on their experiences. The presented research is interesting to creativity researchers, game developers who want to adopt research informed design principles, teachers who want to develop students' creativity and parents who want to select beneficial games for their children.