Technology in the Classroom: Too Much, or Not Enough?

Earlier, we discussed how some schools were incorporating the iPad into kindergarten classrooms as a part of their early childhood education program. However, technology in the classroom is becoming more and more of a controversial subject.

While many schools are integrating iPads and other technology into their daily learning activities, others are going in a different direction.

The Waldorf School of the Peninsula doesn’t have iPads, or even computers for that matter—they use pens and paper and a chalkboard. Located in Silicon Valley, it is one of approximately 160 Waldorf schools in the country that focus on learning through creative, hands-on activities, with the belief that computers inhibit creative thinking, movement, human interaction and attention spans. Because of the schools location, three-quarters of students have parents with a strong high-tech connection, but they all agree that technology has its time and place.

In fact, some education experts believe that the technological push in classrooms is unwarranted, as it does not necessarily lead to higher test scores. However, in the case of the Waldorf Schools, there are no standardized tests, but 94 percent of students attend college, many going to very prestigious institutions. But then again, these students come from families who have the means to pay for it. While there’s no clear evidence and the debate still continues, it ultimately comes down to student, parent and teacher engagement.

You decide—should technology be used by students in the classroom? Or should it be reserved for parents and teachers? Share your thoughts by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

iPads: Is Kindergarten too Early?

Schools in Maine, among other states, have launched iPad programs in kindergarten classrooms, but is that too early?

We recently discussed how iPads aren’t just for adults—there are a lot of fun apps designed specifically for early childhood education.

While some are saying the iPad is the "childrens toy of the year," others wouldn’t exactly call a $500 electronic item a child’s toy. In order to appease parents on a budget, companies have developed tablets for kids, but really, it’s only saving about $100 or less depending on which model you get.

All this to beg the questions—should iPads be used in early childhood education? Aside from being used by early childhood education staff to keep track of student information, there are many parents who are against iPads being used as an educational tool for their children. In fact, when iPads were going to be used in kindergarten classrooms, parents fought back, causing quite the debate. Parents started a Facebook Group. and the subject of the debate ultimately got national coverage

One parent, whose son was about to start kindergarten, does not think he’s ready.“iPads could easily lead to a tune-out of peer or teacher instruction in the classroom, because they have this new tool in front of them. My son does speech therapy, he does occupational therapy. He needs to be working on communicating with his peers and engaging with them. Not just being distracted by this instrument in his hand.” It seems as if adults can barely balance socializing and mobile technology, so how can we expect kindergarteners too?

So, do you think kindergarten is too early to use the iPad as an educational tool in the classroom? Why or why not? Share your thoughts by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

iPads Aren’t Just for Adults

New iPad apps for early childhood education that engage kids - should they be used in preschools?

Parents may love receiving photos and videos of their children via the Tadpoles app on their iPhones and iPads, but what about the kids? There are a ton of great iPhone and iPad apps on the market that not only keep kids entertained, but also serve as educational tools. Here’s a list of some of the top apps:

Toy Story
Disney's Toy Story app is a great story book and includes movie clips, games, coloring, and sing-a-long tunes. Parents can also record their voice to read each page, allowing their child to hear the sound of their voice even when they aren’t around. Free

Wheels on the Bus
This award winning app is aimed at toddlers and plays the song “Wheels on the Bus,” in addition to narrating a story. Throughout the story, kids can interact with the characters in the story. $1.99

This is My Story (And I'm Sticking to It)
Kids can create their own personalized stories by dragging labeled pictures into blanks within sentences. Once complete, finished stories can be saved and read allowed by the narrator for the child to enjoy. $.99

The Going to Bed Book
This app is an adaptation of the book from children’s author Sandra Boynton. The app depicts the story, which includes activities done before going to bed, and fills it with interactive elements. Watch the video below to see how seamlessly this app works. $2.99

While some kids can play with their parent’s iPads when they get home from daycare or school, I’m wondering if a lot of daycares and schools are starting to incorporate iPads into play time, or even learning time! If you’re a teacher or daycare provider, let us know if iPads are used or have been considered for lesson plans or recess by commenting below, or on our Facebook or twitter pages.

pollcode.com free polls

Does Your Daycare or School Use iPads for Early Childhood Education?

Yes Not yet, but hopefully soon No, but may consider it No way