Hellobee Boards

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.

@mrbee: which ones do you like?

@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.)

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.

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.

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.

School age for sure!

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.

@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.

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 ).

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.

@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.

@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!