Young children’s perceptions of ubiquitous computing and the Internet of Things

What is it about?

Ubiquitous computing (ubicomp) and the Internet of things (IoT) are turning into everyday household technology at an ever‐increasing pace, for example, in the form of connected toys. However, while ubicomp and IoT are changing and shaping children’s digital and technological landscape, not much is known about how children perceive these omnipresent and concealed forms of digital technology. This qualitatively oriented paper explores 3‐ to 6‐year‐old Finnish children’s perceptions of ubicomp and IoT via interviews and a design task. Initially, the children were skeptical toward the idea that tangible objects, such as toys, could be computer and/or Internet enabled. However, these perceptions were subject to change when children were introduced to a scientific conception of what computers and the Internet are and asked to apply their knowledge to a technological design task. Implications for early years digital literacy education are discussed in the paper.

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Why is it important?

Practitioner Notes What is already known about this topic The role of computer‐ and Internet‐enabled tangible objects, such as connected toys, is expanding rapidly in young children’s lives. The need for early years digital literacy education has been acknowledged. What this paper adds This study explores young children’s initial perceptions of ubiquitous computing and the Internet of things. Children are initially skeptical toward the idea that tangible objects can be computer/Internet enabled. This initial skepticism is subject to change when children are introduced to a scientific conception of what computers and the Internet are. Implications for practice and policy The study provides novel insights into how children’s digital literacy can be supported in early childhood education