Chapter 8: Digital Progressive Learning Enviroments for Elementary Children

Increasingly, younger children are playing and exploring using digital media in nonformal environments. Yet we have few models for elementary digital media learning environments. Digital progressive learning environments (DPLE) may provide a model for elementary aged children. The purpose of this study was to examine how children engaged with digital media in a DPLE called Saturday Studio. In particular, I examined how they engaged within this environment as they created interest-driven projects using various digital programs and technologies. Using qualitative methodologies and employing critical and multimodal discourse analyses, I find that a DPLE allows children to draw on critical skills similar to roles such as novice computer programmers and graphic designers when making digital artifacts. Based on the findings, this study urges further investigation to understand how DPLEs can expand curriculum in new ways and lead to improved engagement