ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses how both play and brain development has nonlinear dynamic systems qualities, also describes the processes by which play development occurs and interfaces with brain maturation. It approaches the topic of effects of technology on brain maturation and social, emotional, moral, and cognitive development from varied perspectives, but they are in agreement that stakeholders, including parents, educators, psychologists, technology designers and implementors, as well as the greater community. The book describes the historical role of technology in the design of play materials and the changes in play environments that have occurred with the advent of technology-augmented play materials. It also reviews both a number of writers' perspectives on the potential positive and negative effects of this change in the play environment and evidence of such changes in play experiences drawn from research on adults' memories of their own play.
