Gadgets Review
As parents, all of us have fought the battle with our kids as they are absorbed into a video game or movie on an iPad, tablet, or smartphone. We’ve had a better chance of getting the attention of Tom Cruise walking the red carpet than our kids.
Today, it’s common for two-year-olds to be using iPads, elementary schoolers hooked up to video games, and we all suffer (or live with) the challenge of prying your middle-schooler away from the computer long enough to eat a decent meal…
Helping Our Kids Learn?
Technology is everywhere and its draw on kids is obvious, but is technology helping our kids learn?
Technology is becoming more social, adaptive, and customized, and as a result, it can be a fantastic teaching tool. That stated, as parents, we need to establish boundaries.
Today, the software connects kids to online learning communities, tracking kids’ progress through lessons and games, and customizing each student’s experience.
By the time your child is in elementary school, they will probably be well-versed in technology.
Learning with Technology at School
Schools are investing more and more in technology. Whether your child’s class uses an interactive Smartboard, laptops, or another device, here are three ways to make sure that technology is used effectively.
Young children love playing with technology, from iPads to digital cameras. What do early childhood practitioners – and parents, too – need to think about before handing kids these gadgets?
what is technology in early childhood?
Let’s start at the beginning:
Technology can be as simple as a camera, audio recorder, player, TV, DVD player, or more recent technology like iPads, tablets, and smartphones used in child care centers, classrooms, or at home.
More than once, I’ve had teachers tell me. “I don’t do technology,” I ask them if they’ve ever taken a digital photo of their students. Played a record, tape, or DVD, or give kids headphones to listen to a story.
Teachers have always used technology. The difference is that now teachers are using really powerful tools like iPads and iPhones in their personal and professional lives.
just a tool.
It shouldn’t be used in classrooms or child care centers because it’s cool. But because teachers can do activities that support the healthy development of children.
Teachers are using digital cameras – a less flashy tech nology than iPads – in really creative ways to engage children in learning. That may be all they need.
At the same time, teachers need to be able to integrate tech nology. Into the classroom or child care center as a social justice matter.
We can’t assume that all children have tech nology at home.
A lack of exposure could widen the digital divide – that is. The gap between those with and without access to digital tech nology – and limit some readiness and early success.
