CHAPTER 10:Is Interactive Media

Worthwhile – or at LeastBetter Than TV?

By: Esteban Valencia

IMPORTANT POINTS-Comparing the effect of interactive software and games vs. television

-Observing children’s interactions and reactions to “interactive” toys, games, and television

-Defining a better choice between the options

-Whether or not families have access to other options aside from television and interactive games such as parks and playgrounds

Studies and Research

-Georgetown “Dora” experiment directed by Sandra L. Calvert

-Rutgers “mobile” experiment directed by Carolyn Rovee-Collier

-Warren Buckleitner editor of Children’s Technology Review

Which is truly better

-The author states that although there have been many studies done, none actually define if these games are any good for children

-There are many exceptions to the rule. She says she will only chose sites that:

-let her children take control-are ad free so the kids are not distracted-allow the children to push themselves forward,

and not a site that does everything for them.

QUESTIONS-With modern society becoming more technology driven everyday, wouldn’t it be better for children to start interacting with computers at an early age?

-This chapter focuses on in home interactions. Due to an increase in technology, will schools soon start to change over to a technology driven curriculum, even at younger ages?

-What will parents of the next generation (us) encourage?