Coviewing, Scaffolding, and Children's Media Comprehension

Abstract

Joint media engagement (JME) refers broadly to people using media together, including adults using media with children, and captures a variety of experiences that children might have co-using media that might otherwise be called coviewing, scaffolding, or active mediation. Research suggests that the frequency of JME varies across families and across different types of media, with higher JME for younger children and with television as compared to tablets, perhaps because mobile devices may be less conducive to joint use. JME can influence how children process and comprehend media, with even simple co-use supporting learning in some cases and influencing physiological responses. However, scaffolding and active mediation of media content seems to be most beneficial for supporting children's media comprehension. Drawing upon this research, some app developers have recognized the importance of fostering JME through their content. As a result they have developed a range of innovative digital resources to help promote children's learning in domains including mathematics and science.