Professor Nicola Yuill, Sussex University

The interpersonal computer: Children, technology and collaboration 

Technology is often characterised as isolating children and stifling collaboration, yet collaborative interaction is an important engine of growth. Another techno-trope is that autistic children in particular have a special affinity with technology. Atypical and avoidant social interaction is a primary diagnostic feature of autism. Does that mean technology use, especially in autistic children, might discourage opportunities for social interaction? I will describe our research into how shared tablet apps and other technologies can support collaborative play and problem-solving in children, developing typically and atypically. I aim to demonstrate that fine video analysis of attention and joint engagement can support an understanding of mechanisms of social development to support better environment design.