Abstract

This study aimed to explore and analyze the characteristics of the interaction between children and adults with a digital and interactive game that involves solving a problem, that is, assembling puzzles on a tablet. Semi-naturalistic observations of the interactions in the homes were carried out, and the possession and the habits of the use of were investigated through a survey. The interactions were analyzed with an inductively constructed category system. Adults and children actively participated in the task. Adults helped the children mainly through questions, guidance, and information, accompanied frequently by nonverbal actions, such as pointing at and sliding the pieces. Most of the children's interventions were nonverbal. Despite finding a significant technology presence in the homes, two groups were differentiated regarding their habits of use. One group reported little use of technology and no access to tablets for children. Another one expressed that the children used tablets frequently. The interventions in the task differed according to the children's experience with technologies. The results were discussed considering previous research on adult-child interaction with analogical and digital tools.