Guided Interaction and Creativity with Tablet Computers in Pre-schoolers' Home Environments

This project will explore creativity during parent-child interactions with tablet computers in the home.
This is timely as 86% of homes in the U.K. with a 3-year-old have a tablet and this number rises annually.
85% of children's time is spent at home and the home learning environment has a significant impact on
children's learning and development. However, most research with pre-schoolers' is carried out in
nursery settings and, as a result, parents are unsure how to support their children's learning with tablets.
While examining parent-child interaction with tablets in the home, I will develop upon guided interaction
theory, which has been explored primarily in nursery settings. 'Guided interaction' theory suggests that
to become confident and independent users of technology children need guidance from adults or more
knowledgeable peers.
I will carry out year-long studies of 8 households with 3-5-year olds collecting detailed information on
parent-child interaction with tablets. The precise analysis will involve looking at different types of
interaction: gaze, gesture, speech, touch. I will collect data using observations, interviews and video.
Parents will also be asked to record videos. These will provide access to interactions between parents and
children which are not visible when a researcher is present.
In terms of societal impact, this study will contribute to the development of policies around the home
learning environment and creative learning. It will provide evidence to support parents and practitioners
understanding of how to guide children's creativity with tablets. I will create YouTube clips to make the
findings accessible.