The Dynabook concept, coined by Alan Kay in 1968, describes what is now known as a laptop computer with a long battery life and software aimed at giving children access to digital media. The article "Personal Dynamic Media," written by Kay and Adele Goldberg, discusses this idea of a gadget that would allow users to manipulate fonts, draw, paint and create music, animations, etc. Note that the target audience was children.
We envision a device as small and portable as possible, which could both take in and give out information in quantities approaching that of human sensory systems.
The authors' question: “What would happen in a world in which everyone had a Dynabook? If such a machine were designed in a way that any owner could mold and channel its power to his own needs.” This question seems absurd nowadays because most children have access to computers that do exactly what the two researchers describe.
However, one may have to put together different packages to get the end product he envisioned. For example, Tux Paint is a drawing program for children that combines an easy-to-use interface, fun sound effects, and an encouraging cartoon mascot who guides users as they draw, paint and create different pictures. Music Ace Deluxe offers a series of music lessons and games that teach the basics of music theory, rhythm, pitch, note reading, listening, and the keyboard. Users of both software packages can design, create and save their final products.
However, the one missing ingredient is children do not write programs for these products as Kay envisioned. I am sure there is software out there that allows children to do just that, but I have not come across any. Worth noting is older children often rewrite and add to video games, which is a growing trend in the gaming industry. Somehow, I do not think this is what he had in mind—or was it?
--Mia
--Mia
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