“An idea can become dust or magic depending upon the talent that rubs against it.” (Matsuo Bashō (松尾 芭蕉), from the forward of the book by Bob Hughes with modifications by Roger Wagner) 

Upcoming Events

June 2-4, 2023, Friday through Sunday at Noon. This affordable weekend retreat is for the creators of children’s media. From our tranquil meeting space just steps from the Pacific Ocean, you’ll build your own cookbook out of the primary “ingredients” of child development.

You’ll meet each “chef” (e.g., Maslow, Montessori, Skinner, Smilansky, Piaget, Vygotsky and others) and you’ll see how their theories can be applied — or misused — in animated media, apps, video games, social media, toys and video).

Each participant will create their own “cookbook” — a set of slides that can be used to take the ideas back home to share with their team. The faculty includes experts in children’s media (Byrne, Carstens and Schlicting) and child development and pedagogy (Buckleitner, Carstens, and Chamberlin).

See Dust or Magic Asilomar to save your seat!

All Dust or Magic Events share similar objectives:

• To contribute to your personal definition of “dust” and “magic.”
• To provide a review of the fundamental theories of child development in the context of emerging technologies such as multi-touch screens, physical computing, 3D and movement based interfaces.
• To provide critical, honest, fair and open demonstrations of this year’s products, with room for discussion.
• To help you meet and learn from others who are passionate about exploring the potential of interactive media for children.
• To provide a comfortable, structured, relaxing setting that is optimal for networking and learning.
• To provide an overview of the elements of successful design — that you can apply immediately.

Dust or Magic is produced by Children’s Technology Review. It has no affiliation with any hardware or software company; it is supported by registration fees. Read more about Dust or Magic’s history here.