A Learning Companion for Ben: Concept for a Digital Learning Environment

Abstract

Primary school education is one of the most important investments of a nation. Could advanced technologies increase its success?

Ben is a 6-year-old child who has just finished kindergarten. He is really excited about starting school, choosing his first school bag and meeting his digital learning companion. On what adventures will they embark together? How many new friends will Ben make at school?

The project aims to investigate how the potential of digital environments could be used in primary school education. Digital companions encourage children to collaborate and to support each other whilst motivating them by making daily exercises and learning more fun.

The author raises the question if we could look at digitality with excitement and curiosity instead of concern. Can we make clear decisions about when digital technologies may actually broaden our horizon and when they have to fade into the background to give space to human-human interactions?