Digital Media & Kids

Obviously, as the author of a blog and the host of a podcast, I'm a fan of "new media." And every time I feel like cursing technology for one reason or another, I remind myself that if it weren't for technology, much of what I do these days wouldn't be possible. Does that mean I'm a fan of digital media for children? Not so much, no.

I won't get into a whole dialog concerning authentic learning versus that offered by computers, etc. For now I'd just like to point out that when a child sits in front of a computer or TV screen, even if in the company of others, there's little or no interaction taking place, meaning relationships are not being fostered. It also means fewer opportunities for speaking. As a result, a child may not as readily enunciate her words, formulate her thoughts, expand her vocabulary, or effectively express herself.

According to a new national poll from Common Sense Media and the Joan Ganz Cooney Center, American parents agreed by a wide margin that digital media skills are important to kids' success in the 21st century, but they also expressed skepticism about whether digital media could contribute to the development of skills such as communicating, working with others, and establishing civic responsibility.

To this I say "hallelujah." But the people who conducted the survey have a different take. They say, "The results suggest that tech-savvy school leaders might need to reach out to parents and demonstrate how their children's use of digital media in classrooms can contribute to these skills."

Sorry, but I'm not buying it. Yes, digital media has much to offer children. I'm even partnering with one site dedicated to the use of digital media. It's called Woogi World and, according to its founders, it's "a fun, engaging, and interactive virtual social network site that promotes balance and builds character. Through its academically sound and value-based games and activities, children are encouraged to get out of the virtual world and into the real world using their time, talents, and energies to connect with family, explore interests, engage in play, and serve in their communities." CEO Scott Dow adds, "We promote online learning and offline doing."

Did you read that last quote -- and the part about getting out of the virtual world and into the real world? That's what made me agree to work with them! They understand that there's only so much the virtual world can offer children -- that it takes getting out into the "real world" for them to succeed in life.

When children play together, they learn to navigate the two-way street that is communication. Through play, they also learn to cooperate, take turns, share, resolve conflict, handle their emotions, and take another's perspective. Children aren't born with these abilities, any more than they're born with the ability to multiply and divide.

It takes a great deal more than information to be successful. If personal and social awareness weren't necessary for success and happiness in life, only great test-takers would be triumphant. But the great test-takers don't usually end up as successful or as satisfied with their lives as those possessing great social and emotional skills. And no matter what the media companies think, social and emotional skills can't be acquired via digital means.