Greetings!
Apologies for my tardiness, I had hoped to blog weekly but as we all know, “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry” (Robert Burns).
I’ve been reading some of the excellent publications that can be found on the VicHealth Mental Health & Wellbeing: Publications and Reports page (1) and I’m particularly enjoying “Bridging the Digital Divide” (Blanchard, Metcalf and Burns, 2007) and the fantastic report “Young people, wellbeing and communication technologies” (Wyn, Cuervo, 2005).
Given young people’s early adoption of technology it’s not surprising that they are also flocking to virtual worlds at a staggering rate. Here are some facts:
- There are now (April 2008 ) more than 100 virtual worlds operating or being developed that specifically focus on young people (under-18 ) (2)
- Registrations for existing youth oriented virtual worlds are in excess of 200 million young people globally (3).
These figures highlight the the need to understand how young people use these spaces and underscore their importance as an emerging space where young people gather to connect.
For more information – http://www.virtualworldsmanagement.com/2008/youthworlds.html
Cheers!
Debbie
- http://tinyurl.com/47vvwn
- http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2008/04/report-100-yout.html
- http://www.kzero.co.uk/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/all-world-numbers.jpg
April 23, 2008 at 4:49 am |
As an expert in children’s online usage behavior with 13 years direct experience and a Mom, I think this virtual world technology channel is a great opportunity to stimulate positive online social interaction and learning similar to how PBS programming for kids has demonstrated that TV for kids can go beyond mindless entertainment and reinforce learning and character education.
At http://www.kidscom.com we have tested using a virtual world to get kids off of computers and into libraries to learn about global climate change and I know that another site http://www.whyville.net has also had some great examples of using their virtual world to make science interesting to girls.
I say let’s make sure that a high percentage of the 100+ virtual worlds being introduced to kids and tweens has learning associated with it so our kids in the United States are using them to improve their skills and make them better able to compete in a global market when they grow up.
April 30, 2008 at 1:05 am |
I agree Jori let’s hope that eventually all children will have access to technology and that the positive uses flow on to kids from all nations.
Cheers
Deb