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Understanding kids in the digital age

10 Jul 2009

Most parents feel that their children know more about technology than they do, and as this “N Generation” gap widens, the growing disconnect can create problems for any family. Trend analysis company, Flux Trends, and digital education specialists, Learnthings, have combined their skills and knowledge to create a half-day workshop that explores the complicated dynamics between parents, their children and the technologies the N-Generation find indispensable.

The Wired Parenting workshop is designed to empower parents with a better understanding of the technology the N-Generation are using, by covering cell phone, Internet and gaming technologies. A cross section of specialists will provide insight into the latest technologies on the market, how they work, what the impact of these technologies is on your child (good and bad), and finally, how you can manage the process to give your child the best online opportunities and experience - safely.

The workshop will conclude with an interactive Q & A session where delegates will be able to pose questions to the speakers.

Speakers include:

Dion Chang, one of South Africa's most sought-after trend analysts. Chang will contextualise the trend of technology in today's world and more importantly, how it creates new dynamics for parents and children in an ever widening generation gap.
Angus Robinson, CEO of Brandsh Media, a mobile and social media company. Robinson will focus on current technologies; what children are exposed to when they are online; understanding of mobile technology and gaming.
Carol Affleck, a Research Psychologist specialising in child development. Affleck's focus will be on
information processing and cognitive development in children. She will provide insight on how parents can effectively guide and mentor children in the digital age.
Dr Pieter Streicher, Managing Director of BulkSMS.com, a mobile messaging company. Streicher's focus will be to give parents a hands-on approach on how to technically manage new
communications technologies with their children.
Q & A, chaired by Michelle Lissoos, Managing Director of Learnthings. Learnthings specialises in
empowering and engaging children of all ages with interactive, digital content. The team has spent over ten years understanding the way children interact and learn with the digital medium.

Where: The workshop will be held at the FADA (The Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture) auditorium on the University of Johannesburg (Bunting Road campus) in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

What: Tickets will cost R600 (ex VAT) per person and seats are limited. Price includes refreshments.

When: Saturday, 1 August 2009. The workshop kicks off at 9am (registration 8.30am) and runs until 1pm, with a refreshment break in between.

For more information, details of the workshop and online bookings, see: www.learnthings.co.za/wiredparenting