Television viewing is completely different than using Web 2.0 tools online. Television viewing is a passive activity; creating your own online book for free is an active activity.
With television viewing or watching a video, users cannot physically change the content or what's presented (unless you switch it off). With Web 2.0 tools, users create the content (your own virtual book, newsletter, cartoon, binder, video, game, computer program, etc.). It's totally different.
The world is about to take a great leap from the current static Internet where websites are fixed to an interactive, immersive Web 2.0 Internet, which is more conducive to learning.
There are some studies on digital technology with young people.
http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0016/001631/163170e.pdf http://www.pearsonfoundation.org/downloads/EmergentLiteracy-WhitePaper.pdfDigital technology is providing learning for children who are unable to attend school, have learning disabilities or attention issues, are gifted, or for many others who would benefit from them. For some kids, digital technology engages their minds in way books or television cannot.
Active minds learn better with exercise (this includes physical exercise) but kids also need limits. Everything in moderation, but Web 2.0 can really help some kids find their passion and be a gateway to lifelong learning.
