Research Information System
13th INTERNATIONAL NEW YORK CONFERENCE ON EVOLVING TRENDS IN INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH & PRACTICES, New York, United States Of America, 15 - 18 March 2026, pp.116, (Summary Text)
Childhood provides a vital perspective for understanding the cultural, social, and economic structures of societies. Historical transformations in the concept of childhood, when examined through childhood culture, contribute to the development of positive perceptions in this academic field. While games, toys, and clothing reflect societal values and educational approaches, these elements are often underrepresented or limited in traditional museum settings. This research aims to reinterpret childhood culture within a digital museum environment, allowing participants to interactively experience the heritage of the past. The study is structured within the framework of action research, a methodology designed to improve educational practices through systematic problem-solving. Developed using Unity software, the museum offers a 3D interactive environment where users can explore traditional games from various continents as well as local Turkish culture. The implementation process follows six systematic steps: needs analysis, planning, design, prototype development, application with feedback, and final reporting. Data collection involves qualitative techniques, including semi-structured interviews with children, parents, and teachers. Grounded in constructivist learning theory, the research encourages active participation to enrich the learning process. This virtual museum serves as a bridge between generations, fostering cultural memory while providing an innovative model for digital museology. It establishes a digital archive that preserves cultural heritage and addresses the shortage of educational materials. The prototype applications of the virtual museum developed within the scope of the study were carried out with the participants. In this context, interviews were conducted with participating children, teachers, and parents. The qualitative data analysis process of the interviews is currently ongoing.