The “Tablettistes”: a day to rethink our way of learning

Groupe Média TFO, a French-language public broadcaster in Ontario, has dubbed the generation of early tablet users, especially preschool children, “tablettists”. On February 18, a day of conferences on the subject will be held in Toronto.

The 2^e edition of the day of "Tablettists" aims to explore the issues and challenges of education in the digital age, through debates, exchanges and meetings between "content producers, creators of innovative tools and the various players in the world of education ”, as described by the organizing body, Groupe Média TFO.

Groupe Média TFO President and CEO Glenn O'Farrell wrote an opinion letter on August 3, 2013 published in the daily Le Devoir in which he was concerned about the transition that preschool children accustomed to the tablet (“tablettists”) will have to go through when they enter school. He wrote: “(…) let's think for a moment about what might happen when these children suddenly encounter a structure and a learning environment like a classroom. For many, the transition could be overwhelming. We run the risk of turning tablettists into a young generation of dropouts, physically present but intellectually and emotionally disconnected from a learning experience that appears alien and overwhelming to them. It is undoubtedly in order to do its part that TFO is investing in such an event.

Among the 21 expected speakers, we recognize names well known on the French-speaking side, such as Pierre Poulin, Francois Guité, Ron Canuel and Michelle blanc. The conferences will be held in both English and French, with simultaneous translation.

Our cost of registration is 149 $ by January 31 (49 $ for students). Group rates are also offered.

For more information, visit the website www.tablettistes.com or follow @Tablettists on Twitter.