ITP | Early Learning in a Digital World

February 27, 2026, Noon-1:30 pm

259 Educational Sciences

Heather Kirkorian

Department Chair & Professor, School of Human Ecology, UW-Madison

Heather Kirkorian

In this talk, Kirkorian will summarize what we know about early learning and cognitive development as it relates to young children’s digital media use. The talk will address questions such as: How do infants and young children respond to and learn from on-screen versus real-life experiences? What digital design features support versus hinder early learning and development, and how might this research inform policy recommendations focused on child-centered design? How does co-viewing/media engagement affect learning from screens? What do we know--and what have we yet to discover--about potential long-term impacts of screen use on child development?