They say the best way to improve learning is to help children make better use of existing playthings. Even so, Dr. Resnick predicts toys will look much different a few years from now. He points out that some computerized toys are already on the market. The keychain-sized computer game has a small display and a few buttons that let a user feed, clean, and entertain the digital companion. And this year Mattel released Talk with Me Barbie, which has a computer inside.
Children can program the doll to speak.
This Barbie can also remember a child's name, birthday, and other information. Dr. Resnick says such toys are interesting but offer children only limited choices. What remains to be seen, he says, is whether toy manufacturers will produce toys that use technology to challenge kids in new ways. Or it could be used to really transform the way children think and learn.