Learning, Autonomy and Experiences Regarding Digital Citizenship in Children Aged 9 to 12 in Argentina.

Abstract

The work we present is part of the research project “Practices and Experiences in the Construction of Digital Citizenship among Children Aged 9 to 12” conducted by the research team of the Education and New Technologies Project of FLACSO and Chicos.net in 2023. The study aimed to explore children’s autonomous experiences with digital devices, their practices and learning in the digital world, and the construction of digital citizenship through five case studies in three provinces of Argentina.

The study employed a qualitative methodology with an ethnographic perspective. Within this methodological framework, the Game-based Exploration Meetings (ElI, from the Spanish term Encuentros Lúdicos de Indagación) were planned, allowing for a genuine dialogue with the children participating in the research, facilitated through game.

The conclusions highlight several trends related to digital citizenship vulnerability, the importance of autonomy in learning experiences with personal devices, digital divides in terms of connectivity, and the significance of literacy skills in accessing digital culture and digital citizenship.