Handbook of Design in Educational Technology

37 Emerging Technologies for Young Children

Evaluating the Learning Benefits of New Forms of Interaction

Andrew Manches

1. Introduction

The most typical form of interaction with learning technologies is through a mouse and keyboard. These devices not only constrain interaction, but can challenge younger children’s dexterity. Emerging technologies present novel ways to interact with digital materials. Touch screen computers, gesture recognition devices, and tangibles (digitally augmented physical objects) exemplify technologies that offer alternative, more accessible and, arguably, more engaging, forms of interaction. Yet, focusing on ‘accessibility’ or ‘engagement’ reflects a limited vision of their potential to support learning. The last couple ...