We began our design experience in the Fall of 1999. Four adults and seven children, ages 7-11 years old discussed the issues surrounding digital libraries. One adult asked the group, “Why would people want us to make a Digital Library for kids?” In response, the children explained:
"Because they don't know how to allocate money in schools." (age 11)
"Maybe because a lot of people want to live on computers." (age 8)
"I like normal computers, I don't want to read on a computer." (age 10)
"You don't ever have to go to the library every time you want a book." (age 7)
"A
place on the computer where you can store books or stories or things
you
think you'll forget." (age 9)
"Is
that what we're making? Oh yeah, now I know what you're talking
about."
(age 7)
"I don't like reading a whole lot." (age 8)
"Digital
libraries will probably be a thing on the computer where you have a website
where you could get books on the computer. To turn the page you could
press a button." (age 11)
Our work continues today in designing digital libraries for children with children.
This
3-year research project is supported by the
National
Science Foundation's Digital Library Initiative-2
Introduction......Project
Description......When we began......How
we work with children.....Technology Development
For
more information on our research, contact:
Professor
Allison Druin: allisond@umiacs.umd.edu