This workshop presents research data regarding young children’s direct and indirect exposure to and engagement with media and electronic-based toys and learning tools. Actual and potential impacts on early development and learning processes are addressed. Here are the following areas we will discuss:

• Change and growth in technology, including mobile devices
• Child use of technology
• Developmental changes in capacities for child use of technology (birth to school age)
• Benefits & risks for children (birth to school age)
• Role of adults as mediators
• Use guidelines by age

Since completing a PhD in Human Development, Learning and Culture (UBC, 2016), Michaela Wooldridge has been working as an adjunct professor in the Early Childhood Education department at UBC and have consulted to the early intervention services field (IDP/AIDP/SCD/ASCD) on developmental assessment practices. Michaela’s research interests have focused on the role of emerging digital technologies as a new context for infant and toddler development. The first conference presentation on the topic (“Electronic Childhood”) was in 2006! Her 2010 Thesis compared the quality of parent-child interaction with electronic and non-electronic toys, while her 2016 Doctoral dissertation examined factors that predicted the provision and use of mobile digital devices by infants and toddlers.

Suitable for all early learning professionals and parents.

Pro D certificate: Yes, 2 hours.

Online Registration link: https://anc.ca.apm.activecommunities.com/ygv/activity/search/detail/3345?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true