Technology, Little Kids (Vignette)

[Chris_Wendt]

We were watching the news the other night. Our daughter and 3-year old granddaughter were over for dinner. There was a piece about young children using technology, iPad, laptops, etc.

One little girl featured in the report was also 3 years old, and was a fairly accomplished user of the app's on her iPad. The reporter asked her whether she would rather go outside and play, or spend time inside using her iPad, she said, without hesitating, "stay inside using my iPad".

I immediately put the same question to my granddaughter who was watching with interest. Without hesitation, she came right back: "I'd rather go out to the woods!"

There is hope!

Chris Wendt

[murphyd]

Hey Chris,

Great story....

One thought - Maybe you can combine the activities?

www.audubonguides.com/field-guides/ipad.html

Regards,
Don Murphy
Director of Technology
Wantagh UFSD

[Chris_Wendt]

Thanks, Don!

Experiencing the "analog" world through the eyes of a child is absolutely priceless....

lh4.googleusercontent.com/-f3x60lLrBTE/TqaQ5PoB5kI/AAAAAAAAAHA/Hz4qsDk0FPc/s720/DSC01021_1071x1600.jpg

Chris Wendt

[lilly]

Great pix Chris.

My nephew, who was 3 sometime in the '80's was the only person who could figure out the VCR at the time. He is now a teacher who has had an academic app out for about 2 years (and it's been a slow build since everyone has an app nowadays, but is successful). He has his own website of notes his students can access for Regents prep (my kids used it). And of course, his students can reach him for assignment help in the evenings via email and IM.

Another nephew, currently in elem school, got an iPad last Xmas specifically for its supposed great learning to read apps.

I can't forget a comment a few years back from one of our art teachers. She said that in Graphic Arts (or whatever we call that class) the MS'ers seemed to 'get it'/adapt a bit faster than her HS'ers at the time.

That is certainly true. I am in the market for a smartphone upgrade and can't decide iPhone, droid or "crackberry". I think I want an iPhone but the touchscreen keypad may drive me nuts so I'm hesitant to commit. Well, my 3 yo neighbor was over playing with her dad's iPhone and could manipulate the thing easier than I could, showing me all sorts of things on it. And, she's 3.

Watch out world. It will be very interesting to see what the next generation comes up with in terms of useful technology.