Use Of Digital Devices Research Articles

Use of digital devices, family functioning, and language development in preschool children: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the use of digital devices, family function, and language development in preschool children. This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study included a sample of 93 parent-child dyads. The children were of an average age of 57.01 ± 9.95 months, and the majority were female. The data collection instruments included a questionnaire on the use of digital devices, the Portuguese version of the Family Flexibility and Cohesion Evaluation Scale - Version IV (FACES-IV), and a Preschool Language Test (TL-ALPE). The findings showed a greater tendency of children to use smartphones, tablets, and television for 0-3 hours daily. The analysis of the responses on the FACES-IV and TL-ALPE instruments showed that most of the participating families were of the balanced type and that most children had normal language development. Statistically significant relationships were found between the FACES-IV subscales and TL-ALPE subtests, FACES-IV subscales and the use of digital devices, and the use of digital devices and TL-ALPE subtests. Notably, children in more balanced family functioning scored higher on TL-ALPE tests, and the time spent using digital devices may compromise language development. This study highlights the impact of digital device use and the role of family functioning on children's language development, suggesting that moderate digital device use and balanced family functioning are facilitating factors for good language development.

Utilização de dispositivos digitais, funcionamento familiar e desenvolvimento da linguagem em crianças de idade pré-escolar: um estudo transversal

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to analyse the relationship between the use of digital devices, family function, and language development in preschool children. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive-correlational study included a sample of 93 parent-child dyads. The children were of an average age of 57.01 ± 9.95 months, and the majority were female. The data collection instruments included a questionnaire on the use of digital devices, the Portuguese version of the Family Flexibility and Cohesion Evaluation Scale - Version IV (FACES-IV), and a Preschool Language Test (TL-ALPE). Results The findings showed a greater tendency of children to use smartphones, tablets, and television for 0-3 hours daily. The analysis of the responses on the FACES-IV and TL-ALPE instruments showed that most of the participating families were of the balanced type and that most children had normal language development. Statistically significant relationships were found between the FACES-IV subscales and TL-ALPE subtests, FACES-IV subscales and the use of digital devices, and the use of digital devices and TL-ALPE subtests. Notably, children in more balanced family functioning scored higher on TL-ALPE tests, and the time spent using digital devices may compromise language development. Conclusion This study highlights the impact of digital device use and the role of family functioning on children’s language development, suggesting that moderate digital device use and balanced family functioning are facilitating factors for good language development.

Digital Challenges: Investigating Computer Vision Syndrome in Thai Esports Through a Case-Control Approach.

To determine the factors associated with eyestrain in esports athletes in Bangkok compared with controls. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted between April and June 2023, involving 160 male participants (aged 20-35 years) who used digital devices, consisting of esports athletes and a control group. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire (CVS-Q), and Depression anxiety stress scale-21 (DASS-21). Ophthalmic instruments were used for the eye examinations by an optometrist. Seventy-six esports athletes showed significantly lower visual performance than controls in logMAR visual acuity (p < 0.020), phoria (p < 0.001), negative fusional vergence (blur, break, and recovery) (p < 0.012, p < 0.004 and p < 0.039), positive fusional vergence (blur, break, and recovery) (p < 0.005, p < 0.001 and p < 0.005), monocular estimation method (p < 0.001), monocular and binocular accommodative facility (p < 0.001), and vergence facility (p < 0.001). A study on risk factors for CVS found that esports athletes were significantly more likely to have CVS (p < 0.001). Work environments with high-intensity lighting significantly increase the risk of CVS compared to low-intensity lighting (p < 0.001). The use of a digital device for >4 h/day, having a history of alcohol consumption, and stress significantly increased the risk of CVS (p < 0.001, p < 0.023, p < 0.048). This study found that esports athletes experienced vision health problems, indicating the need to prevent eyestrain caused by the use of digital devices.

ВПЛИВ ІНТЕРНЕТ-ТЕХНОЛОГІЙ НА МАРКЕТИНГОВІ КОМУНІКАЦІЇ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ

Modern entrepreneurship cannot be imagined without the use of Internet technologies in marketing communications. This study is devoted to analyzing the impact of these technologies on the strategies, tools and effectiveness of marketing of enterprises. With the rapid development of the Internet and the widespread use of digital devices, the way companies interact with consumers has fundamentally changed. The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the key effects of Internet technologies on marketing communications in enterprises. The study examines various aspects, including the advantages of Internet technologies in marketing communications. Additionally, the article can analyze potential challenges and limitations of use Internet technologies in marketing, such as privacy issues data, oversaturation of advertising and instability of virtual platforms. This will help readers get more a complete view of a wide spectrum opportunities and challenges associated with the use of Internet technologies in marketing communications. The expected results of this study will substantiate the growing importance of Internet technologies in marketing communications and will provide practical recommendations for enterprises on the effective use of these technologies. Analyzing current trends, it can be expected that Internet technologies allow businesses to attract more target audiences, communicate with them in real time and maintain constant interaction. It may be achieved through use social media, email, websites, blogs and other communication tools. Further use of Internet technologies in marketing communications can lead to increased competitiveness of enterprises, improved interaction with consumers, increased sales and improved overall brand image. In addition, the study highlights the importance of integration and synergy between traditional and Internet marketing communication channels. This highlights the need for connected and consistent messaging across platforms to maintain brand identity and engage customers. The research will contribute to the understanding and identification of the most effective strategies of use Internet technologies in marketing communications and providing recommendations for the practical application of this knowledge in the field of business.

Exploring the Digital Habits and Lifestyles of High School Students Towards the Development of a Digital Wellbeing Framework

The pervasive use of digital devices among high school learners has prompted apprehension regarding its adverse impact on their well-being. The researchers were motivated to examine 74 high school students’ digital habits and lifestyles at a Catholic school in Phitsanulok, Thailand to develop a digital well-being framework that would support students with poor digital health, habits, and lifestyles and promote healthy digital well-being. The study aimed to assist educators and policymakers in safeguarding the digital health of high school learners in a digital world. This study employed a descriptive quantitative research design. The framework employed was derived from the six pillars of digital wellbeing as outlined by Emerson Hospital and Turning Life On reflected on the study Torres and Madera (2024). The questionnaire for this study was also derived from the above-mentioned study. The data were recorded, analyzed, and interpreted in the following manner: 4: strongly agree; 3: agree; 2: disagree; 1: strongly disagree. Respondents exhibited a general sense of positivity and high levels of satisfaction in the following domains: physical, mental, spiritual, social, intellectual, and privacy and safety: digital well-being. These variables require additional enhancement, despite their mutually favorable perceptions. The study recommended to implement a balanced digital well-being framework to enhance secondary learners’ digital well-being, optimize the use of technology for both personal and scholastic gain, protect learners from online hazards, and facilitate the attainment of their academic goals and maximum potential.

The effect of stretching exercises on the mobility of the spine in the sagittal plane in people using digital devices – preliminary observations

Introduction. Digital devices and a sedentary lifestyle pose significant health risks in today’s society, further exacerbated by the regular adoption of incorrect posture. Prolonged adoption of an incorrect posture can result in pain and impaired spinal mobility. Aim of the study. The study aims to evaluate the impact of stretching exercises on improving cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine mobility in the sagittal plane. Furthermore, it sought to examine the potential correlation between the occurrence of pain and the duration of digital equipment usage. Study materials and methodology. The study was conducted on a sample group of 22 individuals aged 18 to 21 (20.11 ± 1.56) years. Linear measurements, including the Schober and Otto-Wurm tests, were used to examine spinal mobility in the sagittal plane. The subjects were given a 10-day programme comprising six stretching exercises to perform autonomously daily. After ten days, line measurements were retaken. Results. Significant statistical values were observed for spinal ranges of motion in the sagittal plane; no statistically significant value was obtained for the incidence of pain and the duration of use of digital devices. Conclusions. The subjects demonstrated improvement in cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine mobility in the sagittal plane following the implementation of stretching exercises. Additionally, a decrease in spinal pain was observed.

Особенности личностного ресурса школьников: предикторы ненормативного поведения и причины учебной лени

The purpose of the study was to investigate the connection between the non-normative forms of behaviour of schoolchildren with young people's satisfaction with the attitude of significant persons (parents, teachers, peers), as well as personal traits, such as self-confidence, accountability and self-regulation. The study is based on the views of the ecopsychological approach to the study of mental development and was conducted in a comprehensive school. The study involved 698 students of grades 8–11. The author used own methods ‘Personal Resource of Schoolchildren’ and ‘Academic Indolence, or Reasons for Reluctance to Learn’. Results of descriptive statistics and validation permitted us to proceed to the research tasks. The hypothesis of a significant association between dissatisfaction with the attitudes of significant persons and disturbing use of digital devices (teachers ,458; parents ,431), tendency to violate rules (teache­rs ,422; parents ,417) and tendency to suicidal feelings (teachers ,434; parents ,692; peers ,452) at a significance level of p&lt;0.001 was confirmed (Spearman). Such personal traits as self-confidence, accountability and self-regulation can be viewed as a condition of normal behaviour. Applied value of the results of the study lies in the development of psychological tools to prevent abnormal behaviour of young people by educating teachers on the harmonization of relationships. The developed methods may be of interest for the school psychology staff.

Touch-screen automatisms in the digital age

ObjectiveTo describe a novel set of gestural automatisms related to the use of digital screens on smartphones and tablets in patients with epilepsy. MethodsRepresentative patients were selected from among those admitted to the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the Toronto Western Hospital between April 2016 and January 2020, and included if they exhibited automatisms clearly related to or mimicking digital device use. ResultsIn total 5 patients were included, 4 female. All had temporal lobe epilepsy: 2 had left mesial temporal sclerosis and 3 had normal imaging. Nearly equal numbers of seizures began with right (5/9) and left (4/9) temporal onsets, with most automatisms occurring after seizure propagation to bilateral temporal involvement (6/9). Left-handed automatisms were most common (8/9). The majority of the automatisms (7/9) were perseverative on device usage prior to the seizure. ConclusionGestural automatisms appear related to the contemporary lived experience, culture, and habitual behaviour of patients with epilepsy. In the modern era, the use of smartphones and tablets are both common and habitual for many, and this case series shows that touch-screen automatisms may be added to the semiological panoply of temporal lobe seizures.

Socialization of Cyber Crime Threats Ahead of the 2024 Election for the Online Ojek Community

Ahead of the 2024 General Election, cyber threats are expected to increase along with the increasingly massive use of cyberspace for political purposes. Members of the Online Ojek Community are a group of people who are vulnerable to being targeted and "perpetrators" of cybercrimes. This is because the online driver community always interacts with digital devices and the general public. The dedication team has carried out the activity stages, starting with a questionnaire of 16 questions, lectures, and outreach to 15 participants, as well as discussions and questions and answers. Related material on how to filter and test the correctness of data and information; how to act and behave in the use of social media and digital devices; how to know the rule of law in the use of digital technology. After the implementation of the activity, there was an improvement in the participants' understanding. Initially, the average participant had an adequate understanding of the number 72, after the implementation of the activity, the average participant's understanding was very good with a score of 92.86. This increased knowledge will reduce the risk of Cyber Security Threats for online motorcycle taxi drivers.

GADGETS, PARENTS AND CHILDREN: NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL LANDSCAPE IN FAMILIES

The rapid proliferation of digital technologies has significantly transformed the way individuals interact with the world around them. This digital revolution has also permeated the sphere of parenting, leading to a marked increase in the use of digital devices by both parents and children. While this shift has brought about numerous benefits, it has also raised concerns about potential negative consequences. This article highlights the research undertaken to understand the trends of digital usage among parents and children in Malaysia, by utilising a cross-sectional survey among parents who have 7-9 years old children using an online survey platform. A total of 532 parents responded to the survey and the data were analyse descriptively. This study found that many households own computers, tablets and smartphones, as compared to other devices such as smartwatch and digital game console. In addition, majority of the parents use digital devices between 3 to 5 hours and more than 5 hours daily, while many children use between 1 to 5 hours daily. Parents also use digital devices throughout the day, while children usage was reported higher during the weekend. Majority of the parents use digital devices for communication purpose, to search for information and to stay informed about current news, but most of the children use digital devices to fill free time, to complete school work and for entertainment purpose, but less use to get current news. Majority of the parents prefer WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube, while children prefer video-sharing and entertainment platforms namely YouTube, TikTok and online games. This study contributes to the enhancement of understanding of the trends in digital usage between parents and children.

Assessing the role of visual dysfunctions in the association between visual symptomatology and the use of digital devices

PurposeTo evaluate the association between visual symptoms and use of digital devices considering the presence of visual dysfunctions. MethodsAn optometric examination was conducted in a clinical sample of 346 patients to diagnose any type of visual anomaly. Visual symptoms were collected using the validated SQVD questionnaire. A threshold of 6 hours per day was used to quantify the effects of digital device usage and patients were divided into two groups: under and above of 35 years old. A multivariate logistic regression was employed to investigate the association between digital device use and symptoms, with visual dysfunctions considered as a confounding variable. Crude and the adjusted odds ratio (OR) were calculated for each variable. Results57.02 % of the subjects reported visual symptoms, and 65.02% exhibited some form of visual dysfunction. For patients under 35 years old, an association was found between having visual symptoms and digital device use (OR = 2.10, p = 0.01). However, after adjusting for visual dysfunctions, this association disappeared (OR = 1.44, p = 0.27) and the association was instead between symptoms and refractive dysfunction (OR = 6.52, p < 0.001), accommodative (OR = 10.47, p < 0.001), binocular (OR = 6.68, p < 0.001) and accommodative plus binocular dysfunctions (OR = 46.84, p < 0.001). Among patients over 35 years old, no association was found between symptoms and the use of digital devices (OR = 1.27, p = 0.49) but there was an association between symptoms and refractive dysfunction (OR = 3.54, p = 0.001). ConclusionsVisual symptoms are not dependent on the duration of digital device use but rather on the presence of any type of visual dysfunction: refractive, accommodative and/or binocular one, which should be diagnosed.

PROFILES OF DIGITAL LITERACY AMONG COMMUNITY-DWELLING KOREAN OLDER ADULTS: A LATENT PROFILE ANALYSIS

Abstract Digital divide exists among not only between older and younger generations but also within the older adult population. Understanding digital literacy profiles among older adults is important to identifying strategies for reducing digital divide among this population. This study aimed to identify profiles of digital literacy among community-dwelling older adults and examine associated factors. Data were collected from a national survey of 1016 community-dwelling older adults in Korea (average age 68.0±6.5 years, 47.8% male). Digital literacy was evaluated across three domains: ’Information and Communication’ (9 items), ’Contents Creation and Management’ (4 items), and ’Safety and Security’ (9 items). Latent profile analysis and multinomial logistic regression yielded three digital literacy profiles: “Low-level” (35.7%, n=363), “Middle-level” (39.2%, n=398), and “High-level” (25.1%, n=255). Compared to the low-level group, a higher likelihood of belonging to the middle level group was associated with younger age, higher education level, higher dependence on instrumental activities of daily living, longer digital device use, and participating in offline social activities. Similarly, a higher likelihood of belonging to the high-level group was associated with younger age, higher education level, higher dependence on instrumental activities of daily living, longer digital device use, better physical well-being, doing daily physical exercise, and greater social support. These findings suggest characteristics associated with lower digital literacy, including older age, lower education level, and reduced functional independence. To promote digital literacy in older adults, potential strategies encompass tailored access and guidance for digital device use specifically tailored to older adults, alongside efforts to nurture social connectedness.

Influancing Factors To Adopt M-LearningDuring Covid-19 For Schools In Pakistan

The purpose of this research is to investigate the factors exaggerated due to COVID-19 to adopt m- learning specifically in schools in Pakistan. During COVID-19, school, colleges, universities were obliged to close to implement precautionary measures. The key adopted policy to reduce pandemic was physical distancing forced all towards digital social lifestyle. Health anxiety due to pandemic exaggerated the use of digital devices. Users had to bear price of devices and services. The theoretical model of UTAUT suggests that the actual use of technology is determined by behavioural intention. The degree of association between the independent variables Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort of Expectancy (EE), Social Influence (SI), Facilitating Conditions (FC), and Physical Distancing (PD) is determined using a modified UTAUT model. Whereas the Health Anxiety and Price Value moderating factors are chosen to make the model acceptable for evaluating the study questions and hypothesis. The research is going to explore a gap in the literature by analysing the Physical Distancing and moderating variables of Health Anxiety and Price Value, which might influence the student’s behaviour of Madrasa-tul-Banat High school. 210 female students of grade8,9, and 10 were selected for this research. In this study, a questionnaire survey is utilized to obtain quantitative data on student’s intention and actual usage of m-learning. SPSS 27.0 software is used to evaluate the questionnaire's design and execution, and it will be utilized to examine the degree of association between the research's components.

Connected minds in disconnected bodies: Exploring the role of interoceptive sensibility and alexithymia in problematic use of the internet

IntroductionThe ever-increasing prominence of the internet and digital technology in our society requires a deeper examination of how these developments alter perception of our bodies and emotions. One such consequence is the emergence of Problematic Use of the Internet (PUI) - an array of compulsive or addictive behaviors mediated by the web that detrimentally affect an individual's functioning. This suggests that some people may be shifting their consciousness from the physical realm to the digital world. The objective of this study was to investigate how shortcomings in interoception (the sensibility to bodily signals) and alexithymia (an inability to identify and express emotions) might contribute to PUI. MethodsThe Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) were used to assess a sample of 1076 adolescents and young adults aged between 16 and 26 years via an online survey. Data analysis was based on t-test, correlations and multivariate regression. Results26.8% (n = 288) of participants met the criteria for moderate PUI. Individuals with PUI displayed higher levels of alexithymia (p < 0.001) and diminished abilities in certain aspects of interoceptive sensibility, including placing trust in their own bodily signals (p = 0.006), not responding excessively to uncomfortable sensations with worry (p < 0.001), and not denying them (p = 0.006). Multivariate modelling revealed associations between PUI and the following factors: having a boyfriend/girlfriend (aOR = 5.70), substance use (aOR = 1.78), difficulty in identifying feelings (aOR = 1.09), externally oriented thinking (aOR = 1.05), low disposition in perceiving body sensations (aOR = 0.25), tendency to become distracted (aOR = 0.82) or excessively worried (aOR = 0.11) in the face of pain. Furthermore, the analysis indicated how these aspects of body perception may be interrelated, either enhancing or reducing the risk of PUI when examined individually, collectively, or in combination. ConclusionsThis study underlines the potential connection between difficulties in the mind-body interaction and the development of PUI. It suggests a bidirectional relationship between excessive digital device use and distorted bodily interoceptive processes in PUI, reinforcing the notion that individuals struggling with emotion identification and expression may be more prone to excessive internet usage. To further comprehend the relevance of these constructs in PUI, it is necessary to conduct more targeted investigations and longitudinal studies.

Subjective behavioral measures in myopic and pre-myopic children before and after the COVID lockdown.

There are environmental factors that may contribute to the onset of myopia. This study aims to evaluate the children's lifestyle changes before and after the COVID-19 lockdown and how they can influence their vision. The same questionnaire was administered to children aged between 5 and 7 in Spain every year in September before (2017-2019) and after the COVID-19 lockdown (2020-2021). All the children also passed a vision exam consisting of the measurement of visual acuity (VA) and determination of objective and subjective refraction. Children were classified as myopes, pre-myopes, or hyperopes. The cut-off points to define the refractive error were established according to the value of the spherical equivalent (SE): hyperopia (SE > +0,75D), myopia (SE ≤ -0,5D), or pre-myopia (-0.5D < SE ≥ +0.75D). Data analysis is performed with the SPSS 27.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago, Illinois). In the pre-COVID period, the pre-myopes were the ones who spent the longest time outdoors, and after the COVID lockdown, there were no differences between groups. There neither were any differences in the time spent doing near-work activities between the groups in both periods (p > 0.05). Regarding the spherical equivalent, in the pre-COVID period, the mean value was 0.75 ± 2.09D and after the COVID lockdown, it was 0.47 ± 1.88D (p < 0.001). Pre-myopes spent more time outdoors than myopes in the pre-COVID period, while myopes spent more time using digital devices. All these differences do not exist after the COVID lockdown, with a general increase in the time spent outdoors and a decrease in the use of digital devices. Further studies are needed to know if these lifestyle changes remain and how they influence the onset of myopia.

Self-reported visual symptoms and high visual demand activities in professional football players: a cross-sectional survey.

Vision is crucial for football players, impacting decision-making and athletic performance. Despite its global popularity, football lacks comprehensive evaluations of the impact of digital device use on ocular symptoms during high-demand activities. To gain knowledge about the time spent by football players in high visual demand activities, the symptoms associated with binocular vision dysfunction, and their relationship with sports performance. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 2020 using an online survey targeting football players from Portugal, England, Spain, and Saudi Arabia. The survey, distributed over 5 weeks, aimed to collect data from approximately 5,000 football players. Information on player profiles, competitive levels, vision habits, and symptoms related to binocular vision dysfunctions was collected. The Convergence Insufficiency Symptom Survey (CISS) employed a 5-point Likert scale to indicate the average frequency of each symptom. Due to non-normality, non-parametric tests were used (p < 0.05). Specifically, Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, Chi-square, and Spearman's rank correlation tests were used as appropriate. Analyzing male professional football players (mean age: 27.4 ± 5.0 years, 95% CI, 26.7-28.1), it was found that 38.1% of the players had been called up to the national team and 6.9% had played over 50 games. Self-rated last season's performance had a mean score of 6.5 ± 2.1 (95% CI, 6.2-6.8)(on a scale of 1 to 10). Smartphone use exceeded 1 h daily for all players, with 36.0% surpassing 4 h. Visual symptoms, notably associated with smartphone use (35.5%), were observed. Regarding the CISS score, the mean was 7.1 ± 7.7 (IC95%: 6.6 to 8.8). A weak negative correlation (rho = -0.215, p = 0.003) emerged between CISS scores and self-perceived sports performance. Football players using prescription lenses had significantly higher CISS scores (11.9 ± 10.4, 95% CI, 12.3-7.7) compared to non-users (6.2 ± 6.8, 95% CI, 7.8-5.7) (p < 0.001). This study reveals that professional football players engage in high visual demand tasks, notably on smartphones. One-third of the players link smartphone use to ocular symptoms. The Convergence Insufficiency Symptoms Survey indicates that 6.3% exhibit binocular vision dysfunction symptoms. Those with fewer ocular symptoms perceive that they have better sports performance than their counterparts.

Cell Phone Use in American Civics and History Classrooms

The use of digital devices in K-12 classrooms has become increasingly contested with their ubiquity. This study examines policies governing cell phone use in elementary and secondary school civics, social studies, American government, and history classes in the United States. Cell phone policies implemented by teachers differ vastly across and even within schools. Data from an original national survey of civics and history teachers conducted by the Civic Education Research Lab at Georgetown University were used to examine cell phone policies nationwide. While there was near universal agreement among teachers about the importance of digital tools for learning, the propriety of using cell phones for instruction was hotly contested. Grade level and school characteristics, such as school size, Title I status, and one-to-one school programs, were better predictors of cell phone policies than teacher characteristics. Teachers with more years of experience were the most likely to institute strict cell phone policies. These findings indicate that there is no one-size-fits-all policy for cell phones and provide insights for teachers and schools for adapting workable strategies given the school context.

Digital citizenship at school: Democracy, pragmatism and RRI

This paper presents a strategy for fostering digital citizenship at school that transcends the mere use of digital devices or instructional methods focused solely on their use. The core premise of this proposal rests on the need for an ethical-political debate concerning digitization in education. In addition, it emphasizes the need to cultivate a form of digital literacy that blends science and technology with the humanities, and erases the traditional boundaries between making and thinking. The proposed approach encapsulates two primary concerns: firstly, it asserts that digital literacy serves as a foundation for meaningful participation in digital societies; secondly, it underscores the importance of democratizing digital technologies by incorporating the perspectives, needs, and concerns of children. Drawing inspiration from the theories of pragmatism and responsible research and innovation (RRI), we present a conceptual framework for digital citizenship. To operationalize this approach, we adapt John Dewey's pragmatic model of inquiry as a method that can be applied within the school setting. This pragmatic methodology serves as a conduit for developing hands-on experience geared towards developing digital citizenship. The practical implementation of this methodology is illustrated through an actualized experience with 10- and 11-year-old children in a public primary school, regarding the issue of care robots. This paper advocates for a symbiotic relationship between theoretical understanding and practical application, and puts forward a concrete proposal for the integration of digital citizenship in schools in the form of a four-phase procedural model, based on the creation of what we term ‘the encounter’ between the educational community and the research and development community.

Application of mobile digital recording and GIS analysis of archaeological surface survey finds in the MapFarm project

Recent technological developments in the field of mobile devices have influenced the way archaeological surveys are conducted. The collection, management and analysis of archaeological data have been enriched through the use of new digital applications and devices. This paper presents a case study of the application of a technique for digital recording of archaeological surface finds in the MapFarm project, along with the subsequent analysis. This technique relies on the capabilities of modern mobile devices and web technologies, combined with the application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It enables the direct digital recording of the exact location of artefacts in the field, using the GNSS receiver of smartphones, allowing the rapid extraction of collected data and their analysis with GIS. The technique was applied during the systematic archaeological survey of selected prehistoric settlements in Aegean Thrace, in the context of the research project MapFarm, which aims to expand our knowledge about the Neolithic settlers of Aegean Thrace. The implementation of this technique has significantly reduced the time required for recording in the field, ensuring at the same time a more efficient and precise analysis of data. In addition, more firm conclusions emerged regarding the distribution of the archaeological finds in the context of the intra-site level and the site’s extent, by comparison to older surface survey techniques. Analyses performed through the GIS digital tools provided an improved approach to the distribution of surface finds at the settlements under investigation.

Features of the Imagination in Preschoolers Playing Various Digital Games

Due to the fact that in the life of modern preschoolers the traditional role-playing game with peers is increasingly being replaced by playing on digital devices, many researchers have expressed concern about how well their imagination develops. However, other scientists, on the contrary, see the potential for developing children’s imagination in digital games and applications. For this reason, the study is focused on differences in the productive imagination among preschoolers who prefer different types of games on digital devices. The authors propose a typology of digital games played by the preschoolers. A survey was conducted on the use of digital devices among 450 children aged 5-6 years who attended preparatory groups of kindergartens from four regions of Russia, and their imagination was assessed using the “Completing Figures” technique (by O.M. Dyachenko) and a questionnaire developed as part of the study for educators on behavioral manifestations of imagination in their pupils (42 educators were involved). Based on the results of a survey of the educators, it was found that they evaluated the results of creative productive activity lower in the children who liked games for reaction speed than in those who did not play such games. At the same time, the educators rated this parameter of imagination higher in children playing simulation games compared to those who did not play them. The results of the “Completing Figures” technique showed that the children playing logic games had significantly higher ratings for the elaboration of drawings than those who did not play games of this type, and the parameter of originality of the drawings was lower in the children playing strategic games compared to those who did not play them. The typology of digital games proposed by the authors of the study and the data obtained can be useful in conducting scientific research on the digitalization of modern childhood and in developing recommendations for parents of preschoolers.