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Tykes

The overall aim of TYKES is to explore the role of YouTube Kids and similar video-sharing platforms (VSPs) as key locations of early years digital literacy development.

What is the purpose of the project?

We are working with parents, young children and early years practitioners in Norfolk to map the uses, concerns, and engagements with these digital spaces. Ultimately, the project will develop research publications, as well as working with parents, children, local nurseries, and libraries to develop early years digital literacy training based around the findings, alongside resources to develop critical understandings of digital literacy.

What’s the focus?

  • Understanding Video Sharing Platforms such as YouTube Kids as a key space for children’s digital literacy development.
  • Working with young children, families/carers and practitioners in Norfolk to map the uses, concerns, and engagements with Video Sharing Platforms
  • Co-designing and producing user-guides and resources with stakeholders aimed at helping discussions of Video Sharing Platforms.

What are we doing?

  • Exploring how Video Sharing Platforms are used and how content is curated by and for young children.
  • Understanding the experiences of young children, their families, carers and practitioners when young children engage with Video Sharing Platforms
  • Creating research informed guidance and resources for young children, their families, carers and practitioners.

How are we doing it?

  • Examining and mapping research available on young children’s digital literacies when using Video Sharing Platforms.
  • Observing how children engage with Video Sharing Platforms and unpacking their situated experiences.
  • Hearing from families, carers and early years practitioners about young children’s engagement with Video Sharing Platforms and what they would like to see available to support young children’s digital literacies
  • Analysing the content of popular and recommended videos on leading Video Sharing Platforms

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