Interactivity, interfaces, and smart toys

Although computers can represent a medium for children's social and intellectual development, some researchers believe that using computers before age seven subtracts from important developmental tasks and other types of learning. Those opposed to computers believe that computer-based activities are less effective in developing understanding and skills than are artifacts that young children can handle. These anxieties extend to technologies such as smart toys. Our recently completed research project, Computers and Children's Electronic Toys, investigated how children use smart toys. Cachet combines recent interest in mobile learning, tangible interfaces, and the home use of technologies. This research aimed mainly to explore interactivity and interfaces in the context of smart toys that children could use alone or in conjunction with a computer.