What is it about?

The study presented in this article examines mediatization processes in an American kindergarten. The kindergarten is considered as a social world in which forms of communication, as well as the identities of those involved (children, teachers, parents), evolve through the use of digital technologies. The relationships between the different stakeholders are intensified through increased exchange. The role of children in this exchange process undergoes a particularly significant shift, since they come to be seen as active learners. Such developments are only possible if the teacher is prepared to be transparent and to invest a great deal of time. Parents warmly welcome the inclusion of such technologies in the kindergarten classroom and the contribution they make to the children’s learning and family life. Digital technologies, however, are not entirely free of exclusion mechanisms.

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Why is it important?

Social Media - as Twitter, Facebook oder Blogs - become more and more important in everyday life. The study explores a kindergarten class in the USA that uses Social Media in order to reach out for parents and cultivate relationships with families all over the world. It is shown that formerly separated social worlds - like the children's kindergarten or the parent's work - are increasingly intertwined through social media.

Perspectives

The study shows that mediatisation is not just a phenomenon concerning older children or adults. The involvement if Social media is not just about changing the media, but it also changes communication, self-awareness and relationships.

Professor Helen Knauf
University of Applied Sciences Fulda

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Interlaced social worlds: exploring the use of social media in the kindergarten, Early Years Journal of International Research and Development, April 2016, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/09575146.2016.1147424.
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