Plugging Into Word Learning: The Role of Electronic Toys and Digital Media in Language Development

Digital media and electronic toys are changing the landscape of childhood. How does this change impact language learning? In this chapter, we explore potential alignment between six established principles of language learning and children's engagement with digital media and electronic toys. We argue that electronic toys and digital media are not solely beneficial or solely costly for children's language development. Rather, today's technology has opened up a wide range of new features and possibilities for children's play and media, and each of these affordances must be considered in the context of what research shows us about how children learn language. Certainly, the existing research has shown some ways that these digital media can have negative effects on children's ability to learn, but if used in a thoughtful and responsible way, these sources may be able to be used to have a positive impact on language development.