Models and Theories in Human-Computer Interaction/Diffusion of Innovation and Transmedia

In today’s day and age of high speed Internet and smart phone technology, society has grown accustomed to the ability to gain information at a moment’s notices. In the concept of diffusion of technology, Rogers proposes that four main elements influence the spread of a new idea: the innovation itself, communication channels, time, and a social system. To illustrate this idea, lets consider the concept of transmedia learning. Transmedia learning is learning across media or through different connected media. An example is how children may watch a television show and then be able to relate to the same characters in other media such as books, ebooks and movies. Thus, they are associating across media. According to the article, T is for Transmedia: Learning through Transmedia Play, by Becky Herr-Stephenson, Meryl Alper and Erin Reilly, “Within the context of a media saturated, hyper-connected, and rapidly changing world, the concept of “transmedia” has come into the spotlight among those creating and using media and technology for and with children”(pg. 1.) In diffusion of technology, this concept of transmedia is supported. First, the innovation of the media is created, through communication and time, the media is spread through social systems. The kid’s television show, Sesame Street, uses this concept by introducing different types of media throughout the program. Sesame Street and its characters are then recognizable to children in other media such as books, games, and even apps.