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Designing handheld technologies for kids

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Abstract

Computers are becoming an important tool in learning environments; however, children's access to computer technology is often limited. Computers are commonly placed at the back of the classroom or in a separate computer room. At home, if computers are available, they are often found in a home-office or another communal area. In both cases, the physical location of the computers is separate from many places where children's activities and learning occur. Flexible access to technology will provide tools to help children construct knowledge throughout their daily activities. The growth of handheld computers provides the potential to integrate computer technology into the many facers of children's lives. This paper investigates issues surrounding the design of handheld computers for children's use in learning environments. It focuses on child-centred design, engaging children as active participants in the design of handheld technologies. Two central issues are addressed: mobility and sharability.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Computing Science, Simon Fraser University, V5A 156, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada

    Kori M. Inkpen

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  1. Kori M. Inkpen
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Correspondence to Kori M. Inkpen.

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Inkpen, K.M. Designing handheld technologies for kids. Personal Technologies 3, 81–89 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01305323

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01305323

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