WORKSHOP | kidsvoices

Introduction

As children grow more proficient in the use of media, and their use becomes ubiquitous, educators can make use of these tools to engage them in ways that moves them from consumers of media to creators of it. Tapping into their already prevalent use of audio and video, new spaces can emerge in which youth voices come to the foreground. Children can make the switch from merely consuming content to creating it. This gives the opportunity to create a new form of communication that puts them at the forefront of media and technology use. With the support from institutions and programs, children already proficient in the use of video and audio technology can move to a more active role in which they become creators of their messages. No longer mediated by adults, children who create their media acquire a new form of engagement that foster open communication and establishes relationships not explored until now.

In this workshop, research, case studies and informal findings will be presented about the way video and audio provide a space in which children begin to create personal narratives and to explore topics of immediate relevance to them. Children centered created media provides more opportunities to have their voices heard and create an environment in which they have agency around topics relevant to themselves and their communities.

There are many areas of research related to video and audio technologies for children. One is supporting children in creating personal narratives through video and audio, encouraging self-expression, storytelling and creativity. Another is in supporting communication with remote peers or adult family members, focusing on fostering connectedness, development of social skills and collaboration on shared activities. The theme of communication encompasses both synchronous and asynchronous video and audio mediated communication. Synchronous media communication is beneficial because it enables children to engage with others and interact in a natural way, just as if they were face-to- face. In contrast, asynchronous media communication provides different opportunities because it requires only one party be available and thus has potential for connecting children with their traveling parents or friends from different time zones. New research is emerging in these and other areas, yet there still remain many unexplored aspects of interactive media for children and new challenges and opportunities in this domain.

WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES

Prior to the workshop, all attendees will be asked to review material submitted to the workshop. This may include position papers, videos or applications. During the conference, the workshop will be a full day with the following tentative schedule:

Introduction: Workshop organizers will introduce themselves and present the workshop goals and the schedule to the attendees.
Morning Session: Each attendee will be given 5 minutes to either present their research, give a demo of technology or present proposed ideas. The goal of these presentations is to help the attendees get to know each other and foster discussion points for later in the day.

Early Afternoon Session: Based on the morning’s discussion, the group will identify potential project areas. Attendees will then break into subgroups where each group will discuss one of the project topics, brainstorming the objectives and tasks required to complete the project.

Late Afternoon Session: Attendees will come together and present the projects developed in the sub-groups.

Objectives
The objective of this workshop is to bring together researchers, designers, teachers, and practitioners who are interested in helping enhance children’s voices through media and technology; connecting children with others, both locally and around the world. One key goal of the workshop is to build connections between the attendees, and foster collaborations that will exist beyond the workshop. The morning will provide participants with an opportunity to share relevant research they have done, technologies they have developed or key ideas that they are interested in pursuing. The afternoon will involve breaking-up into smaller groups with each group developing a project idea that members of the group would like to engage in. During the breakout sessions, each group will brainstorm the tasks needed for the project and plan out the activities.

Abstract

New approaches in the use of media and technology provide the opportunity to give children’s voices a space to express their unique interests. These new forms of video and audio use create a new form of engagement for children to communicate in ways that makes it relevant to their identity. We are looking to tap into the already prevalent use of these technologies by children to establish a conversation about issues that are important to them. Giving children the opportunity to create and exercise control over the content of their creation can foster children centered programs and establish a conversation with larger communities in a local, national and global stage. Exploring the potential of audio and video in innovative ways will be the focus of this workshop. We will present specific case studies and projects and discuss informal trends identified through work in which institutions are using media in new ways for children to engage in media creation. This workshop will provide insight in how technology is being used and ways that provide a new communication platform for children.

WORKSHOP