https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Mon, 06 Apr 2026 04:47:09 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702988 Sun, 26 Feb 2017 08:23:18 +0000 looch 2702988@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: Yes, I agree, especially when you've got things like a math worksheet to practice learning the times tables. I had terrible time as a kid learning them via worksheets, had there been another way, I am sure I wouldn't have struggled as much. I also think that if you use a stylus, the experience is similar to a worksheet and the benefit of a lot of apps is that they get harder once a skill is mastered.</p> <p>I also really like Rosetta stone for learning language at any age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702955 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 23:09:32 +0000 Greentea 2702955@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@808love: yeah! I am not a super advanced birder, but we love it and I think of it like a gateway to caring for nature, it is like discovering a whole new world. We got DD her own binoculars and she is hooked. Her favorite calls are whippoorwill, common loon, whooping crane, white throated sparrow, I could geek on about it! :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702953 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 22:58:55 +0000 Greentea 2702953@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: also good (in addition to Peterson) is natgeo birding essentials, Sibley's field guide and Sibley's birding basics, depending on where you are! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702952 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 22:55:17 +0000 808love 2702952@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: Love the Night Sky and ones like it for camping. I learned way more about astronomy from the app than I ever did when I was a kid. @hummusgirl: LOL! I actually made a how-to video (but didn't post it) when my dad was teaching my husband how to crack open a coconut and fill a water bottle with coconut water. :) That birdwatching app (and book) sounds pretty cool. Will keep it in the back of my mind in case the opportunity arises. @greentea: now that you mention it, we have so many birds in our yard...I think I will introduce it to LO and see if she likes it! @T.H.O.U.: Yes, there are so many technology companies/ sites competing for teachers' attention right now, it's crazy. There needs to be a comprehensive curriculum that spirals at an age appropriate pace. Right now, integrating tech is just hit and miss because there is a huge range as to where different teachers and schools are with their technology aptitude and willingness to try new things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702951 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 22:53:02 +0000 Greentea 2702951@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@honeybear: yes! All about birds/ cornell orni lab is SUCH a great resource! LO already knows more bird calls than I ever have, good one! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702941 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 21:30:53 +0000 honeybear 2702941@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@hummusgirl: I think there's a difference between tapping the internet for specific pieces of information and handing a child an app to help them learn something. </p> <p>We aren't Luddites here and we use things like YouTube and documentaries and websites liberally (although I maintain that the Peterson guide is still the peerless bible of bird guides in North America, I do like the compilations of bird calls that are available online :wink: ).</p> <p>I will also endorse one app without reservation: the Night Sky app. That one is SO good! But still, as amazing as it is, it's no substitute for going outside at night and looking up into the heavens. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702934 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 20:58:22 +0000 hummusgirl 2702934@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We don't have a tablet and my kids are young (1 and 4) so apps play very little role in their education so far, but I could see how they would be helpful down the road. </p> <p>I was super opposed to screen time with my first but have relaxed a lot and now see a lot of value in things like apps, YouTube, and internet research in general. My older one has become interested in birds so I downloaded a birdwatching app on my phone that helps us ID them when we're out and about. It's specific to our area and includes sounds and would be impossible to replicate with a book. </p> <p>We google so much and look up videos for lots of questions he has, and have used our newfound knowledge IRL too - how-to videos, like birdwatching tips, how to cut open a coconut and drink the water, how to cook a pumpkin pie using a whole pumpkin, etc. </p> <p>This is the world they're growing up in so I'd rather teach them how to best use it and find balance than shy away from it entirely. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702921 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 20:31:01 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2702921@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>School age for sure! </p> <p>However I think many apps are just replacements of worksheets (substitution). We need to be training teachers more on how to transform the classroom and teaching using technology. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702920 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 20:28:49 +0000 mrbee 2702920@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: I actually totally agree with you re: screentime in very young kids. I think when kids reach school age though, the equation changes a lot! Some of these educational apps are pretty amazing supplements to traditional books and workbooks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702915 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 20:08:26 +0000 Greentea 2702915@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Absolutely not. I am actually really against them. When kid2 was born, kid1 had a lot of screentime and we quit cold turkey. Her love of books, puzzles, and independent play has sky rocketed and her behavior is so much better. Sure, you can learn all your states with an app, or...by doing a puzzle.</p> <p>So, yeah. I am pretty anti screentime now. I was thinking of this after the other thread about AI, and I don't think screens are necessary for children. I would value reading, time outside, and learning to read music/play an instrument, learn another language all highly above screentime and "learning" technology. Developing brains don't need screens, kids can learn to code later.</p> <p>I was reading in natgeo about how kids learn language from the voices spoken; audio books, videos, apps, made no difference in the language and vocab learned up to age 4, the crucial time period. Anyway, soapbox. So, no, not for young children. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702910 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 19:53:15 +0000 808love 2702910@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: I didn't research the apps though. Just tried the first two that popped out at me. I mainly used Chess - Play &amp; Learn by Chess.com <a href="https://appsto.re/us/1N3Nt.i" rel="nofollow">https://appsto.re/us/1N3Nt.i</a> I just read/explained their initial tutorial. Then I followed up with Chess Kids app to reinforce . I don't really like that one because although it is extensive and the initial videos are free, I think it is a paid thing and I think I could dig it up on youtube for free. It is not as clear and straightforward as the chess.com app which is the one with a lot of helpful kid friendly settings.<br /> This all started because I watched Queen of Katwe yesterday and LO was somewhat interested. We started doing the tutorial and when DH watched it this morning (since he wasn't able to finish with me) LO was super into watching it the second time. Her real motivation is to win a 🏆 and she likes the size of the chess club trophies. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702904 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 18:51:26 +0000 honeybear 2702904@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: I think that may be looking at it too narrowly. Euclid, Euler, Newton (among others) all wrote books and papers. It's okay by me if there is a teacher who has read a book helping a child to grasp concepts that the child can't yet read on her own. (So, I will rephrase my initial response to: Books plus teaching are the best form of ed tech. I don't think apps can replace those two essential things.) :wink: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702898 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 18:20:18 +0000 mrbee 2702898@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@808love: Chess is a great idea for app learning! My son has expressed interest, but I haven't had the time to play with him. Which app do you use? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702897 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 18:19:31 +0000 mrbee 2702897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>&lt;&lt; There really isn't any ed tech that's better than a good book, in my opinion. &gt;&gt;</p> <p>@honeybear: Reading is great, but I don't think that books are the best way to learn math... especially for younger kids that can't comfortably read yet!</p> <p>I'm a big fan of the Endless apps, and also the DragonBox ones. I'll post a roundup of the best apps we've been using lately when I get the chance! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702890 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:49:58 +0000 808love 2702890@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Last night I taught my daughter chess with an hour and two apps and she probably got more out of it than hours of instruction. The speed, visual/hands on learning and simulations are unparalleled in other types of learning environments. It was also leveled appropriately so she actually 'won' her first three games. Apps are definitely not to replace but just a different, powerful method in addition to traditional learning. NOw LO can and wants to play 'real' chess which probably wouldn't have happened if I just taught her on my own at this age. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702884 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:40:05 +0000 honeybear 2702884@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A big role? No. There really isn't any ed tech that's better than a good book, in my opinion. But I can see specific situations where they would be okay/useful. The main danger I think is that they can easily become a crutch for adults. </p> <p>@mrbee: which ones do you like? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/should-appstablets-play-a-big-role-in-our-los-educations#post-2702877 Sat, 25 Feb 2017 17:17:56 +0000 mrbee 2702877@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think most education apps are pretty bad... but there are a few that are absolutely incredible! I can't imagine my kids' educaton without them - but sometimes I get pushback from people who feel that screentime/technology can be bad for education.</p> <p>I get the concerns but after seeing the results from my kids using educational apps, it's hard for me to consider going back to an app-free curriculum! I try to be sensitive to the need for balance though, and make sure that the kids get plenty of non-screentime based learning opportunities.</p> <p>Should apps/tablets play a big role in our LO's educations? </p>