Robin Marantz Henig’s timely article “Why Do We Play?” (New York Times Magazine, February 17, 2008) highlights the consensus among a variety of experts that play has a neurological effect on children’s brain growth. However, in addition to studying the act of playing, we need to look at the tools of play. Today’s kids are not only playing baseball and dress-up in the real world; they’re also playing these games online, or infusing them with props that light up, keep score, or otherwise direct their play. If playing helps kids gain lifelong skills, how does the influence of toys embedded with technology affect that skill building? Is nurturing an avatar the same as feeding a baby doll? Is a playdate still a social interaction when it’s played online? Are handhelds rewarding kids who think quickly, rather than critically?  If we want to raise our next generation to be innovators who know how to play in— as well as out— of the box, we need to question how today’s toys are shaping tomorrow’s thinkers.

Claire Green 
Wendy Smolen
Co-founders, Sandbox Summit

Gary E. Knell of Sesame Street looks at the influence of media past, present, and future.

During the 1984 Super Bowl a commercial made an impact on the American perception of personal computers. Apple’s commercial “1984” promoting the, then new, Macintosh computer, played off George Orwell’s classic novel. The spot showed a woman breaking through the ranks of followers of a Big Brother figure presiding over them and proceeds to hurl a hammer at the figure on the screen, setting off an explosion of light onto the followers. A voice over then announced, “On January 24^th, Apple Computer will introduce the Macintosh. And you’ll see why 1984 won’t be like “1984.” (more…)

Families are spending billions to ensure their children have the support they need to excel in school now to get into a great college later. Hiring private tutors or attending tutoring centers are perhaps the most popular solutions. But there is higher tech way that can prove to be both more timely and more cost effective. (more…)

It’s time to start paying attention to noisy games and gadgets and what they can do to young ears. (more…)

Some of the best educational experts haven’t even graduated high school yet. (more…)