All in the family : Siblings' multimodal interactions with digital media

Siblings growing up in everyday family life typical- ly have many opportunities to participate in shared aspects of family social and cultural life, and yet we still know very little about siblings’ multimodal inter- actions when using digital media. Using video-record- ed data of everyday family interactions, this presen- tation investigates how siblings interact with each when engaged in digital gaming. Gaining access to family everyday life is a sensitive and delicate matter, particularly when the data collection approach goes beyond interviews and surveys to observe and video record actual practices as they unfold. Analysis drew on ethnomethodological and conversation analysis approaches to show in fine-grained detail the multi- modal actions that the siblings used to support each other’s game play. Ranging in age from 2 to 9 years of age, siblings at times were participants in a mutually shared digital activity; at other times, while engaged in their own digital activities, they intervened to of- fer support to their sibling. For instance, there were instances of siblings calling out for help, and receiv- ing solicited (or unsolicited) guidance through verbal and non-verbal means. As well, strategies of problem solving and collaboration were evident across these social interactions. The strategies used by the siblings are not unique to a family interactional context, as col- laboration and problem solving occur in other con- texts as well, including in classroom settings. Rather, we show that the support undertaken by children is not an age-related feature; routinely we saw younger siblings supporting older siblings. The informal inter- actions that occurred without adult presence offers rare insights into contemporary sibling life in the home. It may be that digital gaming is providing new opportunities for siblings to connect with each oth- er. Understanding siblings’ multimodal interactions in their digital worlds may help better understand the positive influences of siblings in learning new con- cepts and skills, and how they socially produce their relationship