[Copacetic]

Over in the school thread in venting the talk has veered off to kids and technology and schools demanding that the kids have the technology.

I don't know about everyone else, but I'm really excited about what's coming for education, and the change that technology brings with it.

It might because technology has played such a big part in the boys' upbringing and their SN - I can quite confidently put Caelan and Mason's ability to speak down to movies. Caelan can communicate quite effectively thanks to movies, and even turns the closed cationing on now so that he reads it rather than just watches TV. Most of Mason's language is repetitive and non communicative, but its there, and I"m pretty excited about that.

So I guess I don't really understand the resistance to the change? iPads in particular have done amazing things in our household. And I know that people had other methods in the past, but really... does it matter?

And I know when a lot of people read the above they'll be horrified that I used the TV as a learning tool (Please don't go to Misc and find out my 3 year old had pineapple fizzy drink) - believe me when I say that it really is the onle thing in the house that my boys responded to.

[liveworkplay]

I am all for technology in schools. However, I have seen first hand how it works well when you have a good curriculum which also includes cyber safety etc and how it doesn't when these are no integrated well.

I do, however, have a problem with the rush to use Apple products. It is a locked in system with no room to customise. I just feel that schools should be getting the most for their limited funding and utalising systems that are much more broad and expansive then iPads.

[~Supernova~]

My almost 11mth old has started to figure out the basics of my smart phone (sits there and swipes until it unlocks etc) and my 8 year old has her own laptop. So no, I'm not "resistant". The technological age is the one in which they will grow up in - learn or fall behind.

Having said that, spending time outdoors is very important to me, so I think balance is a big consideration. My kids spend probably 70% of their time outdoors, and very minimal tv (although I have zero issues if they want to watch it).

[Copacetic]

It is a locked in system with no room to customise. I just feel that schools should be getting the most for their limited funding and utalising systems that are much more broad and expansive then iPads.

Totally agree with you there. I was looking at Microsoft's surface tablets the other day and I really like them. DH has windows 8 Installed on his PC (not a touch screen) and I keep going to swipe the screen - they've really streamlined it to a touch environment.

ETA:

Having said that, spending time outdoors is very important to me, so I think balance is a big consideration. My kids spend probably 70% of their time outdoors, and very minimal tv (although I have zero issues if they want to watch it).

I should point out that both of my boys have autism, so when they latched onto something, we embraced it. They don't spend as much time as I would like outside, but then, I also accept that this is their "thing".

This post has been edited by Copacetic: 04/02/2013, 05:04 PM

[Orange Underpant...]

I have no problem with technology in schools, but I do think that balance should remain, as Mareek says. It is so very important to continue to emphasise physical health and physical learning (eg co ordination), as much as mental learning. I also think there are some good programs that incorporate the two, especially with digital devices being small and easy to take outside with you.

[~Supernova~]

Totally agree with you there. I was looking at Microsoft's surface tablets the other day and I really like them. DH has windows 8 Installed on his PC (not a touch screen) and I keep going to swipe the screen - they've really streamlined it to a touch environment.

ETA:



I should point out that both of my boys have autism, so when they latched onto something, we embraced it. They don't spend as much time as I would like outside, but then, I also accept that this is their "thing".

Oh absolutely. I would do exactly the same thing. You do what works!

[~Supernova~]

I really shouldn't admit this on EB haha but I have apps on my phone for DS. Just nursery rhymes and some silly little things, he loves them!

[kpingitquiet]

I think they are excellent tools for learning, alongside more traditional methods. I also think it's a bit nuts to require large ticket purchases in public schools. If the school had a leasing program (a small fraction of the cost of the actual item), then I'd be fine with that. My school did the leasing bit, with option to buy outright, when we were required to have rather advanced graphing calculators in upper levels of math.

[MrsLexiK]

I already started seeing this when I finished school. In some wys I do like it and agree with it. I have apps on my phone for my nieces and nephews, but I do wonder if all this technology will replace handwriting. Are students going to be able to write when they leave school? How are they going to go in exams when they get to high school. I can't see the VCE board allowing iPads to do your English exam on.

[~Supernova~]

I already started seeing this when I finished school. In some wys I do like it and agree with it. I have apps on my phone for my nieces and nephews, but I do wonder if all this technology will replace handwriting. Are students going to be able to write when they leave school? How are they going to go in exams when they get to high school. I can't see the VCE board allowing iPads to do your English exam on.

Sadly handwriting was a dying art long before technology came to schools. DD has atrocious hand writing. She DOES have low tone, but there is really no emphasis on it at many schools anymore. I remember when I was a kid, my handwriting used to be exhibited at the local show, it was exciting to be as neat as you could.

Nevermind the fact that uni taught me how to use and decipher chicken scratch lol.