Meet Carly Shuler: 5 Questions
What motivates you?
Big Bird! The magic that happens when fun, research, and education converge in quality children’s media, for example on shows such as Sesame Street, is inspiring to me. But the new media and technologies that are available to children can be overwhelming, so I’m motivated by helping parents, teachers and developers figure out the best way to use new technologies help children learn and grow.
What do you do for a living, and why?
I work in the children’s media and toy industry. I started in the industry at Canadian success story Spin Master Toys. I then attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education, where I received a Masters in Technology in Education. Upon graduating, I joined The Joan Ganz Cooney Center at Sesame Workshop where I researched and wrote about new technologies and children’s learning. As a Canadian, I’m now thrilled to be back home where I work remotely for an awesome kids’ media consulting company called PlayScience. Most importantly, I’m now navigating the kids’ media world not just as a professional but also as a mom.
Which TED talk do you think everyone should watch?
Sir Ken Robinson is a must-see, but a lot of people have already watched that one.
http://download.ted.com/talks/SirKenRobinson_2006-320k.mp4?dnt
In the field of playful learning, I also love Jane McGonigal!
http://download.ted.com/talks/JaneMcGonigal_2010-320k.mp4?dnt
Why are you excited to speak at TEDxManitoba?
I’m both honored and thrilled to be speaking at TEDxManitoba! There is no better platform than TED to share ideas. And as a newbie to Manitoba I’m particularly excited to meet the amazing people in the room and get to know my community.
What is your idea worth spreading?
There is a negative connotation around children’s playing with technology like apps and video games – I want to flip this! “Children learn from play, not screens” is a phrase that strikes fear in the heart of many parents. However, today’s children can play on screens – a new form of play that offers novel opportunities for creativity and learning. I hope to inspire parents, educators and developers to push the boundaries of children’s 21st century play and learning.
