In a context where technology is increasingly intertwined with education, Kokoro Kids emerges as a transformative tool. This educational video game application not only entertains but also promotes the development of cognitive skills in children, standing out for its inclusive approach.
A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the Polytechnic University of Valencia and Kokoro Kids analyzed the impact of Kokoro Kids on the development of visuospatial skills in neurotypical children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The results reinforce its potential to promote equitable learning tailored to each child’s needs.
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A study that reinforces inclusion
Personalizing learning is one of the biggest challenges in education, especially when it comes to children with different learning styles or specific needs. Kokoro Kids addresses this diversity through games designed to adapt to each child, offering progressive levels of difficulty that allow them to advance at their own pace.
The study included 10 children between the ages of 5 and 8, five with typical development and five diagnosed with level 1 ASD without intellectual disability. For 15 consecutive days, participants played 11 specific games from the Kokoro Kids app designed to improve visuospatial skills such as visual association, visual search, and sequential spatial skills.
To evaluate the results, standardized subtests from the NEPSY-II and DTVP-3 batteries were administered before and after the training period. The results revealed significant improvements in the Arrows subtest (NEPSY-II), suggesting a positive impact on visuospatial cognition. In addition, non-significant improvement trends were observed in other subtests such as Visual Closure and Figure-Ground in both groups. These games, such as Shapes Tangram, Spot the Difference, and Car Jam Puzzle, were designed to work on specific skills such as visual association and spatial perception. Some featured progressive difficulty, while others maintained a consistent level, offering a balanced experience for all participants.
Video games that make an impact
The games selected for the study covered different types of difficulty and skills.
For example, tangram games worked on visual association, while activities such as “Draw the Path” involved sequential spatial skills.
The results of the study were encouraging:
- Universal improvements: Both neurotypical and neurodivergent children showed significant progress in one of the standardized visuospatial skills subtests (NEPSY-II Arrow).
- Steady progression: Children increased their accuracy and performance in the games as they advanced through the levels, demonstrating that the video game design encourages continuous learning.
- Inclusion: The data supports Kokoro Kids as an inclusive and effective tool, adapting to each child’s abilities.
In addition to advances in standardized testing, analysis of performance within games showed that both groups improved in games of progressive difficulty.
The TEA group showed greater progress in games such as Shape Sorting and Car Puzzle, highlighting the potential of these video games to adapt the difficulty to the needs of each user.
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Beyond visual-spatial skills
In addition to measurable results, the study highlights the value of video games as a motivating, pressure-free environment where children can learn through play. This not only facilitates cognitive development, but also improves confidence in their abilities.
For children with ASD, tools such as Kokoro Kids represent an opportunity to participate in activities designed for their needs, fostering their autonomy and offering an equitable learning experience.
One video game, multiple ways to learn
The study showed that Kokoro Kids not only offers an inclusive approach, but also adapts learning experiences to each child’s unique strengths and challenges. The results showed that games with progressive difficulty facilitated a steady evolution in visuospatial skills. In addition, repeated interaction with the games fostered meaningful learning, helping children internalize patterns and strategies that they could then apply to more complex tasks. This dynamic approach makes Kokoro Kids a platform that, beyond entertainment, redefines how video games can be used as tools for cognitive development.
Technology and inclusive education
This preliminary study reinforces the idea that educational video games such as Kokoro Kids have the potential to transform children’s learning. Its adaptive, accessible, and scientifically-based design makes it an inclusive tool, useful for both neurotypical and neurodivergent children.
As we continue to explore the role of technology in education, research such as this opens the door to new possibilities for creating more equitable and effective learning environments.
Sources and acknowledgments
The study was conducted by researchers Maria Eleonora Minissi, Luna Maddalon, Andrea López-Castillo, Rocío Saez, Carles Pons, Elena Parra-Vargas, and Mariano Alcañiz. You can read the full article published under the title: “Inclusive Cognitive Commercial Training for Children: A Preliminary Evaluation of the Kokoro Kids App in Enhancing Visuospatial Abilities in Autistic and Neurotypical Children.”
If you would like more information on how to participate in other research studies, please do not hesitate to contact our educational psychology department at support@lernin.com. We will be happy to advise you and offer you the necessary support to integrate our solutions into your professional work.
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