|
|
Recommendation 5
We should develop a long-range research agenda that can inform our
decisions in deploying technology effectively for children and young
adults over the next decade.
Assembling research on ICT’s impacts on youth opportunity for this
report was a sobering reminder of the underdeveloped nature of the
current research base. What is known is often based on small numbers of
people for short periods of time, may only focus on adults and not
children, and in many cases does not address some of the most important
questions. However, having the relevant research now aggregated in one
place in this report provides a starting point from which to develop the
next generation of needed research.
- Digital Opportunity for Youth Research
Summit: Building on the
existing research base, a Digital Opportunity for Youth Research Summit
should be convened by philanthropy, government, and children’s
experts to define the most valuable research agenda for the next
decade.
The summit should identify the core research questions whose answers
will help us use ICT most effectively to promote improved health,
educational achievement, economic opportunity, and civic participation.
Research should answer, for instance:
- How do new ICT tools increase the quality of life for disabled or
chronically ill children?
- What is the impact of ICT tools in enhancing basic educational
skills acquisition as measured through standardized tests?
- What kinds of ICT skills are most helpful to enhance young
adults’ employment and career opportunities?
- How can the Web be of the greatest value in building young
people’s interest in their local community and getting them
engaged in volunteering and other forms of civic engagement?
- Longer-Term Research Agenda: We should also identify new areas of
research that will grow in importance, such as whether and how ICT
provides value for preschool-age children; and exploring ways in which
the power of video games can be harnessed to bring about positive change
for children.
Together, we must devise a plan for getting this research financed and
carried out, tapping government, philanthropic, and corporate resources.
This includes more effective coordination among government, academic,
and private stakeholders and a more systematic approach to research,
development, testing, and evaluation.
|
