A case study on new media literacy convergence play classes with children and parents

Objectives The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of cultivating new media literacy in children and parents through ‘a case study of new media literacy convergence play classes with children and parents’ to respond to the digital era. Methods To this end, the researcher utilized a new media learning environment so that children and parents who lack experience in metaverse classes could communicate and participate together, and conducted an action study to apply new media convergence play that harmonizes creativity, emotion, and personality to kindergarten research. In this process, the researcher who played the role of a teacher utilized the action research method of the spiral circular structure of ‘plan-execution-reflection-replan’ to reflect on and improve the metaverse convergence play class. Results In terms of ‘understanding new media,’ children and parents recognized that they could immerse themselves, challenge themselves, and control themselves in new media spaces. In addition, in terms of ‘using new media safely’, both children and parents understood that new media should be used at appropriate times and used in a sound manner. And in terms of ‘discriminative acceptance of new media,’ we learned that we need to be able to use appropriate information by making choices in the flood of information. Next, as ‘producers of information and value,’ children and parents were able to complete works together and display them at the Metaverse Art Museum, and ‘cooperate through problem solving, respect each other, and cultivate aesthetic morality.’ Lastly, children and parents ‘communicated positively socially and culturally through collective intelligence’ inside and outside the metaverse, showing positive effects in all elements of new media literacy. Conclusions Parents and children participated in classes together and recognized new media as a space that opened up new possibilities and looked at the relationship between media, technology, and the environment in a new way, rather than simply as a means of learning or learning knowledge. I also learned that there are various ways to play and learn, and discovered open participation and exchange among various members and new expansion through the connection of spaces. In other words, through understanding and playing with new media, it becomes an opportunity to cultivate the ability to discover new values ​​and possibilities by linking and integrating knowledge, technology, and experience in other spaces and fields. As a result, new media literacy competency is gradually developed. strengthened. Through this study, it was confirmed that continuous discussions are needed to develop play cases from various angles and apply them to education to foster new media literacy capabilities of learners and parents to respond to the changing times.