Connected Play in Virtual Worlds: Communication and Control Mechanisms in Virtual Worlds for Children and Adolescents

Document Outline

• Introduction 
  • A Developmental Lens to Understand Online Virtual Worlds 
  • Multimodal Communication and Control Features 
• Methods 
  • Develop Platform Search Procedure and Inclusion Criteria 
  • Coding, Evaluation, and Representation of Platforms 
  • An Analysis of 10 Representative VW Platforms 
• Results 
  • Design Features for Communication and Controls 
  • Communication and Control Features in WhyVille, Autcraft, and Roblox 
    • Whyville 
    • Autcraft 
    • Roblox 
• Discussion 
  • A Developmental Lens for Examining VWs 
  • Multimodal Communication and Scaffolded Controls 
  • Inclusive and Safe Play for Typically Developing and Neurodiverse Youth 
• Limitations 
• Conclusions 
• References