Kevin Lepton

Kids Future Technology Predictions – Interview with Steve Mushkin

Jul 152011

Steve Mushkin is the founder and CEO of Latitude Research, a company that works with schools, media enterprises and software developers on innovation projects for both children and adults, at the intersection of technology, creativity and learning. Some of his current initiatives center around robots in education, collaborative games and new forms of narrative.

Latitude Research recently published the results of its study called, “Children’s Future Requests for Computers & the Internet” which is a very interesting read about what today’s kids want from tomorrow’s technology.

So, I’ve linked to the study and decided to do a short interview with Mr. Mushkin about his findings. Here is the interview:

Kevin Tech: What was the inspiration behind the study, “Children’s Future Requests for Computers & the Internet”?

Steve Mushkin: We believe that kids are the architects of the future – sometimes of the present as well – and that their imaginations will provide insights and ideas to complement and often go beyond those of adults. Giving kids a voice and space to invent in a study like this allows them to fill their natural role as the budding creators and inventors of new technology, at least conceptually. They become partners with us in designing what’s next, rather than passive recipients of what we offer them.

Kevin Tech: What was the biggest surprise in the results of how children regard their future with technology?

Steve Mushkin: We were intrigued by the seamlessness with which children are viewing the digital and physical worlds. Many of the kids don’t even seem to make a distinction between what’s on the screen and what’s beyond it; essentially, they want the internet and the everyday world in which they live to be fully integrated and unified in ways that ultimately allow technology generally, and the web in particular, to flow without hindrance into our lives.

Kevin Tech: Let’s do a generational leap of sorts and let me ask your prediction on how you think the kids of these kids will envision their interactions with technology?

Steve Mushkin: Great question. Their ideas will likely feel quite magical to us and quite realistic to them – a sort of tech magical realism. Much of what they may envision will center around the ability of the mind to truly control and change matter, or of matter to change itself fluidly, so to speak. We can also picture that generation of kids thinking about present, past and future experiences, dreams, and fictional spaces all as equally accessible. In essence, the divide between what is real and imagined may give way to a more unified sensibility about consciousness that creates all sorts of new desires and possibilities.

Well, there you have it. As children today are being introduced to computers, cell phones and other technology at a younger age than at any other time in history, their expectations are becoming and will continue to become a driving force in the economy and the social world in which we live.

Many thanks to Mr. Mushkin for his time and insights into the expectations that today’s kids have on how new technology will be shaping their futures.

Future Technology Highlights Week of June, 23 2011

Emerging Technology 1 Response »

Jun 232011

These are the week’s top future technology stories featuring current emerging tech that will one day change our lives.

Future Tech Jobs: We Need Social Science Graduates

The science behind that interconnectivity is social network analysis, developed decades ago in social science research. It involves proven methods of scientific research and analysis which today is accelerated through software and online social networks.

http://blogs.forbes.com/rawnshah/2011/06/22/future-tech-jobs-we-need-social-science-graduates/

F1’s fuel-efficient engines of the future: Tech Talk

The original proposal was for F1 to adopt a 1.6l in-line four-cylinder engine from 2013. This week that has been tweaked to a 1.6l V6 from 2014 onwards – but the big picture of a downsized engine featuring lots of road-relevant new technology remains.

http://www.redbull.com/cs/Satellite/en_INT/Article/european-grand-prix-tech-talk-021243038970005

The Current Status and Predictions on Cloud Computing from Cloud Leaders

Werner Vogels from Amazon and Satya Nadella from Microsoft talked about the current status of cloud computing, while Lew Tucker from Cisco and Jon Weinman from HP made some predictions on its future at GigaOM Structure Event.

http://www.infoq.com/news/2011/06/Cloud-Status-Predictions

Future of flight is a Dreamliner

From the outset, Boeing has touted its 787 Dreamliner as an innovative passenger jet equipped to usher in a new age in air travel. Now the travelling public is getting a peek inside.

http://gulfnews.com/business/aviation/future-of-flight-is-a-dreamliner-1.826383

Leeds scientists hail prostate cancer breakthrough

AN “exciting” potential breakthrough in cancer treatment has been found by Leeds scientists. Tests of a new vaccine using a range of DNA proved successful at treating prostate cancer in mice.

http://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/latest-news/leeds_scientists_hail_prostate_cancer_breakthrough_1_3497180

Video: NASA Robot Hovers Autonomously in Infrared

This robotic lander made staff in a NASA control room very happy when it launched, flew and landed itself autonomously. While that’s an impressive feat in itself, seeing the explosive launch in infrared is even more exciting.

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/06/nasa-robot-hovers/

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