MobiStories

The iGeneration

A recent USA Today article discussed the identification, or labeling (or both?) of the "next" generation.  You know - BabyBoomers, GenX, GenY/Millenial kids.  Old news.  Dubbed the "iGeneration," this latest youth group is wired; some may argue they come hardwired. 

Experts in the child digital media space call these kids digital natives and much has been made about the effect their early adoption of technology has on them. Well, according to Charlotte, N.C. child and adolescent psychologist Dave Verhaagen, "It's simply a part of their DNA. It shapes everything about them."  They want to be constantly connected.  They expect to be available to peers socially at any time - and are. (I can attest to this one, as my 12 year old's phone pings with texts as late as midnight on weekends! Don't worry - he's not allowed to answer at that hour....wish his friends' parents had the same set of rules.) They also have expectations of virtually limitless choices as music, tv viewing, etc. are available and customizable at their fingertips.  In fact, Larry Rosen, Cal. State University-Dominguez Hills psychologist is the one who came up with the "iGeneration" moniker not in reference to game-changer iTunes/iPhone/iPad (ok, all things "i") - although how can one not see the inference - but more to reference the individualization today's youngsters accept as the norm.

Here are some of the traits Rosen uses to identify iGen-ers:

• Early introduction to technology.

• Adeptness at multitasking. (Yes, while many worry digital distraction fosters lack of focus, research findings are now suggesting the contrary.)

• Desire for immediacy.

• Ability to use technology to create a vast array of "content."

But perhaps the most interesting issue is how all this impacts education.  Researchers agree that there need to be drastic changes made to the educational system. "The growth curve on the use of technology with children is exponential, and we run the risk of being out of step with this generation as far as how they learn and how they think," Rosen says. "We have to give them options because they want their world individualized." The big question is: how is that best achieved?  Read the whole article here .

Read Across America Day

March 2nd - Dr. Seuss' birthday - and Read Across America day!!  To celebrate, we are giving away 25% off any and every book on our MobiStories site, through the MONTH OF MARCH!!

Just enter READ25 into the Coupon Code box at checkout to get your discount. 

Read Across America is a nationwide event organized by the National Education Association to encourage kids to read.  That's it.  Plain and simple.  And one of the best ways to get kids to read is to read with them.  The purpose of this national campaign is to get adults to take a little time on at least one day to read to or with a child. 

We'll make it easier for you....download a MobiStory digital kids' book, plop it onto your iPhone or Blackberry, and have a story with you at all times.  Enjoy storytime with your child every day....several times a day.  For them. (And for you.)

Sick of Winter? This will make you smile

Just when you think your wrists may break from all the shoveling and you swear you're moving to warmer climes ASAP, snuggle up with your little one and remember the joys of "Winter":

Coming Soon in the iTunes App Store!

Could You Teach In Today's Digital World?

Imaging having to teach to state standards, follow the schools protocols, work with 28 individuals and learn/implement/teach media literacy.
Think you're up for the job?

What Language Shall We Learn Today?

How will your kids learn a second language, or third language?  When will they?  Oh wait....will they? (maybe that should be the first question)

Educators the world over say languages are learned easiest when introduced to children at an early age. (Aah, that explains why I never became fluent from my high school German classes...hmmm) That's one reason why our newest MobiStories iPhone apps and computer versions will be offering several language options.  Here is one of our Chinese narrators, Torin, as he records the "Fun Facts" for the upcoming followup book to the recently released Celebrating Barack Obama in Pictures.

 
Kids can choose to hear and see the text in one language, or mix and match to see a language, but hear it in another, for a new way to be exposed to other languages.  How do your kids learn foreign languages?  Let us know....

Can Media Exposure Kill Kids' Grades?

The Kaiser Family Foundation, well known for its research into how media affects the lives of children, has released its latest findings this morning in Washington, DC.:  "Generation M2 Media in the Lives of 8- to 18-Year-Olds."  The findings illustrate a large increase in media use by kids, tweens and teens.  One section of the study investigates how grades and schooling are directly affected by time spent on cell phones, in front of the tv, gaming console and iPods. 

The researchers grouped students into categories of Heavy Users (16+ hours of content consumed/day), Moderate Users (3 - 16 hrs/day) and light users (less than 3 hrs/day).  Factoring in not only time spent consuming media, but also outside factors such as age, gender, race, single vs. 2-parent households, the study investigated grades and personal contentment.  More Heavy Users reported getting poor grades (C's or below) than Moderate Users, who in turn claimed as a group to get more poor grades than Light Users.  While this may seem a clear indication that too much media exposure is BAD, simple....black and white, it's important to look at the other findings. 

Kids were also asked if they had a lot of friends.  There wasn't a difference between Moderate and Light Users, but Heavy Users reported slightly more friends than the other category. Were the kids happy at school? Light Users = 82%, Moderate = 81%, Heavy = 72%.  Are they often bored or get in trouble? It's not surprising that more Heavy Users reported yes they were, Moderate Users were less so and Light Users even less so.  Does this mean kids who consume media the heaviest become unhappy at school, become bored, get in trouble where they didn't used to?  Or do the findings indicate children who are otherwise bored and may not be great students look for diversion?  It may be a chicken/egg kind of thing, but I believe one can definitely see that providing limitations on media exposure and ensuring quality content instead of mind-numbing distraction will benefit any child.

The findings in the Generation M2 report are eye opening.  We will be bringing you more of this information as we, as parents, all strive to learn the best ways to raise our digital kids in this new tech world. 

Educational Tech Trends for 2010

It's a new year and a great time to see what's coming down the pike in technology and education.  Here at MobiStories, we can already see the big changes on the horizon in digital publishing: 2010 is going to be the year of the digital book and ebooks. So what does all this mean to the classroom?  According to an article written by Bridget McCrea in THE Journal, here are the top five technology trends and tools to keep an eye on:

eBooks Will Continue to Proliferate

Although it will be some time before math and English textbooks are replaced by eBooks due to needed advancements in color, graphics and animation, Gerry Purdy, chief analyst for the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, says eBooks "will gain traction in the K-12 arena this year."

Netbook Functionality Will Grow

Netbooks will become more and more popular in schools as they become more affordable and will also help streamline technology by eliminating the need for multiple devices.

More Teachers Will Use Interactive Whiteboards

Federal economic stimulus funds are helping to advance the use of whiteboards. These tools promote "engaged learning," says Sheryl Abshire, chief technology officer for Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, LA, and they "serve as a catalyst for getting students out of their seats and up to the board to learn."

Personal Devices Will Infiltrate the Classroom

Once thought of only as a distraction, the use of smart phones and iPods in the classroom is beginning to gain the approval of teachers and administrators. "We used to think this was a 'teen' phenomenon," said Purdy. "But it's now culturally acceptable for someone as young as seven or eight years old to have a cell phone. It won't be long before every student will have access to one or more wireless, portable devices in the classroom."

Technology Will Enable Tailored Curricula

New student assessment tools are being developed that will create an easier way for teachers and administrators "to assess, record and track individual student performance in the classroom."

"Historically, schools have given specialized attention to students who 'fall out of the system,' but not when it comes to applying individual curriculum to a broader population," said David Stienes, principal with private equity fund LLR Partners in Philadelphia. "Look for technology to change that in the near future."

What do you think?

Do you agree with these predictions?
What, if any, challenges need to be overcome before any of these technology trends can be appropriately and successfully integrated into the classroom?

Click here to read the full article. 

Apps vs. E-Readers

It's an interesting question that reminds me of the VHS vs. Beta days (I know - I'm totally dating myself with that one).  Which is better - iPhone apps for readers or a dedicated e-reader device? 

I think it's personal preference based on what you're using the device for, when and how you use it, etc.  Here's how the folks over at the New York Times raised the question.....what are your thoughts? Are you an iTouch fan, do you prefer the Kindle, Sony e-Reader, or ????

Cellphone Apps Challenge the Rise of E-Readers

By MOTOKO RICH and BRAD STONE

Published: November 17, 2009

With Amazon’s Kindle, readers can squeeze hundreds of books into a device that is smaller than most hardcovers. For some, that’s not small enough.

Many people who want to read electronic books are discovering that they can do so on the smartphones that are already in their pockets — bringing a whole new meaning to “phone book.” And they like...read more 

Digital Screen Time Can Be Useful for Kids

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Today, individuals can watch television programs and play video games on virtually every screen that exists. The Sony Reader and the Amazon Kindle are devices on which individuals can read certain novels. But, what else can be watched on digital screens?

Since MobiStories can be played on most any device with a screen, screen time becomes reading time. Having 10 –15 books on your iPod, cell phone, computer or Kindle sure makes it easy for the kids to read while mom is shopping or driving from soccer practice to ballet. MobiStories were designed to give parents some time back while providing an acceptable program for kids to watch in the palm of their hand.

For quite some time there was a digital divide, separating those that embrace new technology and those that did not. Over time, however, this divide narrowed. Ease of use and low price points were two primary reasons for crossing the digital gap.

Combine technology acceptance with the fact that instant gratification is now no longer the exclusive right of the young, and services like iTunes can reshape an entire industry. Apple recognized that if they could provide music at a perceived low price to an individual when he or she wanted it, success would be all but guaranteed. They were right. Apple has sold over 4 billion songs to over 50 million people.

MobiStories is looking to capture the same market with children’s digital books. The current top selling apps in the app store are books; children’s books specifically are doing very well. You can check out all 17 MobiStories apps here and stay tuned for more interactive ones ready for launch in a few weeks.

So while screens are able to play content in many forms they should not always be the default for our attention. There is a certain “feeling” associated with books, magazines and newspapers and a screen will never replace that. However as time marches on our digital natives will lose touch with these tactile means of communication for a more convenient method, just as email has helped reduce the time spent standing in line at the Post Office.

We strongly encourage cuddling up with your child several times a day to read with your child and when she wants to “read” a book - MobiStories is a great example of how technology can integrate into your family’s everyday life.

By Rick Toone, Creative Director of MobiStories

Literacy & Learning in the New Media Age

One of the goals of the MobiStories Blog is the exchange of information, especially regarding using technology in education.  It's fascinating to watch as school districts begin adding new technologies to the classroom.  Here's a post we came across which addresses the benefits of integrating technology into classrooms, how and when to do it, and some questions that aid in state and district officials to accomplish meeting the needs of 21st century learners.  Read all about it: from K-12 Computer Blueprint, originally posted December 7, 2009 Advice to Policymakers on Using Technology to Address Stimulus Goals

Nickelodeon: Parents think iPhone is kid-friendly

Reprinted from http://www.mobilemarketer.com/cms/news/research/3869.html By Chris Harnick

August 7, 2009

Nickelodeon's new study on the role iPhones and iPod touches play in people's lives revealed parents think Apple devices are appropriate for children.

The new study looked to get behind the hype and truly understand how parents think their kids use iPhones and iPod touches and how children actually use the product. At least 50 percent of parents said they would begin to consider the device appropriate to use by children 12 years old and up.

Nickelodeon is a kids and family cable network owned by MTV Networks, a division of Viacom.

"The iPhone and iTouch are ‘do touch' instead of ‘do not touch' devices in parent's minds," said Alison Bryant, senior director of research of MTV Networks, New York. "They think that they are appropriate for their kids and are willing to purchase content for them."

According to the study, iPhone and iPod touches are used mostly for distraction purposes, citing the entertainment and education benefits. Parents surveyed said videos, music, photos and the Internet are the most commonly used functions by children 12 and older.

Of all the applications and functions available on these devices, music, photos, games and phone -- only on the iPhone -- are considered most appropriate for children.

The study compared the two devices and found the iPod touch is considered more kid-friendly with 98 percent of parents saying it's appropriate for children under 18. Eighty-four percent of parents consider the iPhone appropriate for children under 18.

Although some concerns like children viewing inappropriate or unsafe content, most parents are game for Apple device usage by their children. Children are also ready to embrace the technology.

The study found kids like to hear many sounds, including encouragement to obtain an objective. Back and forth interaction with a game is also a coveted factor for younger children.

Kids of all ages prefer games that have objectives -- scores and timers are viewed as important and add excitement. Children 12-17 are using applications, like Facebook and Tetris on their parents' Apple products while kids 11 and under are using Kid Art and Bubbles most frequently.

The willingness of parents to open their homes to iPhones and iPod touches has a great affect on mobile marketers.

"IPhones and the iTouch are not just cool for 20 and 30-somethings, parents are just as likely to buy them and use them," Ms. Bryant said. "Also, you are getting more than one set of eyeballs on iPhones/iTouches that are in family households, in the same way that you get multiple eyeballs in prime-time TV."

Editorial Assistant Chris Harnick covers content, gaming, media, television, music and social networks. Reach him at chris@mobilemarketer.com.

Should a 4-year-old have an iPhone?

(Monday, 24 August 2009) - Contributed by Marc Prensky - Last Updated (Tuesday, 25 August 2009)

"For our twenty-first century kids, technology is their birthright"

When I recently upgraded my iPhone 3G to the 3Gs (after almost 1 year, so I got the discount) I had to decide what to do with the old one. My 4-year-old son was clamoring for it, and I said OK. But then I thought about it. It’s a pretty expensive, complex, breakable, adult device. Should a 4-year-old really have an iPhone?

My answer, after only a couple of months, is absolutely—with only a few caveats. The first is that I bought him a nice bright red safety case, so that he could find the iPhone easily, differentiate it from mine, and hopefully not break it if he dropped it (although as far as I know, that hasn’t actually happened.) Second, I disabled the phone function, so he can’t make or receive calls. Although he would no doubt enjoy calling his friends and relatives, given ATT’s rates, it makes sense for him not to be randomly calling around the world, (Whether they would like hearing from him with the frequency he might choose is another matter.)

So actually he has an iTouch, rather than an iPhone, with the latest phone OS. He is, though, connected quite robustly to the Internet via our home Wi-Fi, and he/we will certainly try some VoIP apps in the future.

What He Does

What has he used his iPhone for (almost entirely without my guidance)? His favorite thing is voice recording. He sings, he makes up conversations, he runs his imaginary taxi business. He records in a couple of ways. Sometimes he uses the recording app which is part of the 3.0 software. At other times he uses the recorder built into his “Wheels on the Bus” app.

I downloaded The Wheels on the Bus for him the other night, along with a couple of matching games and some writing/reading programs (i.e. forming letters, recognizing words) from the App store. He was excited to wake up and find all the new icons on the screen. I was about to suggest he start with The Wheels on the Bus , but he went straight there without me (good icon!) He has since started up and used on his own all the apps I downloaded.

iPod? He uses it often. His favorite song is Michael Jackson’s ABC, which, somehow, he again found without me.

Camera? He uses it all the time. I did have to teach him that photographing his private parts was not such a good idea, even though he was SOO proud of himself for doing it.

Internet? He’s explored, but the absence of Flash is so far the biggest disappointment, as he can’t play Curious George and his other favorite games. But according to Gear Live, that’s “just around the corner.” Webkinz and Club Penguin will probably come as soon as it does.

Writing? He does lots of it, using the on-screen keyboard. And while it looks like gibberish to me, he knows exactly what it says and to whom it is addressed (Also part of the taxi business, I think.).

Reading? We’ve begun to read simple words and stories together. Reading on the iPhone is great!

Oh yes, plenty of drawing, coloring and stamping. He also regularly checks the date, the weather around the world, and the maps when we travel.

The most interesting thing to me was that he asked the other day if there were any games I could get him. I said “You have lots of educational games.” His answer: I don’t want educational games, I want fun games like on the DS.” Well here they come, with a motion sensor!

So should you give your 4-year-old an iPhone (or at least an iTouch)? My answer is that, if you can afford it, why would you deprive them? And if you can’t, there ought to be public subsidies. In fact, every kid in school—especially primary school—should have one.

So watch out computer, watch out DS, watch out educators. The kids are coming to claim their birthright, and the world will never be the same.

About the Author

Marc Prensky is an internationally acclaimed thought leader, speaker, writer, consultant, and game designer in the critical areas of education and learning. He is the author of Digital Game-Based Learning (McGraw Hill, 2001) and Don’t
Bother Me, Mom, I’m Learning (Paragon House, 2006). Marc is the founder and CEO of Games2train, a game-based learning company, whose clients include IBM, Bank of America, Pfizer , the U.S. Department of Defense and the LA and Florida Virtual Schools. He is also the creator of the sites www.SocialImpactGames.com , and www.GamesParentsTeachers.com . Marc holds an MBA from Harvard and a Masters in Teaching from Yale. More of his writings can be found at www.marcprensky.com/writing/default.asp . Marc can be contacted at marc@games2train.com.

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