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Evaluating interactive television models for young children
Conference paper

Evaluating interactive television models for young children

A.R. Hynd, P. Broderick and J.M. Innes
Australasian Social Psychologists 36th Annual Conference (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, 13/04/2007–15/04/2007)
2007
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Abstract

Interactive media allow the viewer to alter program content on-line. Such media may benefit young children, but there has been little research. Using existing programs, we examined the attention, comprehension, and enjoyment of 4 and 5 year olds with 4 models of interactive compared with non-interactive TV. Choices were made with the remote control, either; 1) participating with program activities, 2) repeating or 3) customising content, or 4) making narrative choices. Interactivity, per se, was not beneficial. Specific models were associated with benefits; participation and repetition resulted in higher comprehension. Customised content had no impact. Manipulation of narrative disrupted comprehension and enjoyment. Successful interactivity builds upon the features of well-designed traditional children’s TV, namely opportunities for participation and content repetition. Implications for understanding the impact of changes in media technology will be considered.

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