Preschoolers Learning with the Internet of Toys: From Toy-Based Edutainment to Transmedia Literacy

Authors

  • Katriina Heljakka Degree Programme in Cultural Production and Landscape Studies University of Turku
  • Pirita Ihamäki Prizztech Ltd

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7577/seminar.2835

Keywords:

Early education, Edutainment, Internet of Toys (IoToys), Toy-based learning, Toy Literacy, Preschool-children, Transmedia Literacy

Abstract

The Internet of Toys (IoToys) as an emerging type of edutainment presents a new research area, especially in the context of learning. This study investigates four connected toys played with in the preschool context. By turning to preschool-aged children and their educators observed and interviewed during and after a play test and group interview session, we study how the educational value of IoToys is actualized in a play situation in an early learning environment. In order for IoToys to work as tools in toy-based learning in the preschool context, we suggest that educators acknowledge the engagement with these toys as a form of transmedia play which demands transmedia literacy skills.

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Published

2018-06-28

How to Cite

Heljakka, K., & Ihamäki, P. (2018). Preschoolers Learning with the Internet of Toys: From Toy-Based Edutainment to Transmedia Literacy. Seminar.net, 14(1), 85–102. https://doi.org/10.7577/seminar.2835

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Section

Articles