Digital Kids Conclave and 3rd Kidzooka Award held at PHD House

On Aug 12, 2015

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Kids today represent digital generation, with technology taking rapid pace in their life. Today any technology enabled device is a learning tool and not just entertainment device, though there must be a disclaimer on what to use and how much to use. The Digital Kids Conclave, a conference track was held at the PHD House, in New Delhi on August 11, 2015. The conclave was part of the 5^th World Child Expo, a 3-days exhibit for kids and parents.

The Digital Kids Conclave comprised insightful sessions focusing on Learning in the Digital World, the Mobile Revolution Hits Kids andBalancing Digital with Real World Experiences. The discussion revealed that Internet is growing at the rate of 14%; still its penetration is difficult in India because of the infrastructure challenges. Digitization is expected to bring bigger changes in the coming future for example; schools would be able to keep the track on number of students present in the class through mobile apps. In the coming five years mobile phones will become a very important medium to support education, with apps that will allow them to attempt test papers. It also forces them to be active with the games such as play stations.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Gupta, Director & CEO, Creative Children Media shared his philosophy, “The Digital Kids Conclave is an attempt at exploring the lives of today’s kids in the digital world. It is an era of reverse mentoring which means that we could learn a thing or two from our younger generation, who are highly tech-savvy and who represent the digital world in the true sense. However, there is a strong need to balance a child’s digital and real world experiences for holistic growth. WCE expands its network with Micromax CanvasTabby joining WCE as digital

 device partner.”

Commenting on the occasion, Key note speaker Carlton D’silva, CEO, Hungama Kids said, “I have been associated with WCE from the very beginning. According to me children getting attached to tablets are good, I think people should open mind about it. Generation z is the new future with the coming up innovations and startups. We can leverage the power of playing, whether on iPad or Beach, there has to be an engagement.”

“We have tried to teach English to the rural kids using mobile phones, and it was surprising that the kids picked up words more easily than that of physical teaching, but it was not much encouraged by the teachers. Therefore I don’t see much usage of phones in the Indian schools.” Said Shabnam Aggarwal, CEO, KleverKid, “Talking about phones, its forcing kids to be active through games and different apps. Mobile phones are beneficial in two ways; it provides real time notifications and its location based. It is essential to teach the kids to use the technology to help us be interactive and active.”

Yogita Bhalla, founder, Simplylear.com said, “We at Simplylearn help kids of 11^th and 12^th Std. who wants to appear for medical and engineering examinations. Today more that 60% kids are using simplylearn for their preparation. Using a digital medium you can personalize your own pattern of learning. We are mostly working with the children of 13-17 years.”

The list of panelists included industry stalwarts like Gaurav Jhunjhunwala, Director, S. Chand Group; Kushali Bhola, Co‐Founder,mybaby247.com; Sunita Nambiar from Kunskapsskolan Eduventures India; Jiggy George, Founder & CEO, Dream Theatre Pvt. Ltd.; Radhika Suri, Director, Environment Educaon, World Wildlife Fund (WWF); Shabnam Aggarwal, CEO, Kleverkids; Viraj Jit Singh, Chief Marketing Officer, KidZania, India; Roochi Manocha, Asst. Academic Director, Shri Ram Study World; Karan Baweja, Founder & Player Development Officer, In2sports. The three sessions were moderated by Shabnam Aggarwal, CEO, KleverKid; Bharat Gulia, Mes Learning Soluons, Eddytablet and Dr. Amit Kapoor, Chairman, Institute for Competitiveness, India.

Organized by Discovery Kids and Creative Children Media, the conclave offered an enjoyable and educative digital experience to children up to the age of 14 years.

Alongside the conclave, the 3^rd Kidzooka 2015 awards were announced in 11 categories. These awards represent India’s first recognition system, which acknowledges brands doing exceptional work related to kids. The winners were as follows:

Best Television Channel for Children – Discovery Kids
Best Cartoon Character (Indian origin) – Kisna
Best Cartoon Character (global) – Pokemon
Best Online Platform for Children – Klever Kid
Lifetime Achievement Award – Ranjit Lal (Renowned children author)
Children Brand of the Year – Hamleys/ Reliance Retail
Best Edutainment Brand of the Year – Kidzania India
Special Recognition Awards – Ambience Group for supporting WCE for 5 editions
Special Recognition Awards – Haldirams for marketing support
Best Children Media Publication – Primary Plus
Best Children Technology product (Indian brand) – Metis Learning (EDDY Tablets)