Anything goes for Uni

[obbie]

they use laptops for games, we bought them for the birthdays last year.

But so many kids got ipads at Christmas at  8 years old.
even kids at 6 have small ipads..

[Yvette]

It is fine to get an ipad young but I don't think they need both, would they use both?

[Amy :-)]

I don't think kids should have any sort of gadgets before high school at least. While they are so young, I think they would be targeted more by cyber bullies. And they should be encouraged to spend time outside, being active and playing with friends

[deedub]

Maybe get one for the family Robyn? I don't have an iPad, so no way I'd be getting the kids one! Mind you, the 9yo (grade 4)  is getting one from school on Monday, she gets to bring it home on holidays and keep it after grade 6 if I pay $100. And next year the school will be giving grade 3's the same deal, so the 7yo will have one as well! Apparently they can't load apps on it though unless approved by the school. It's a state school too, don't understand how some schools can practically give away iPads when others are struggling to get funding for teaching staff!

[jo_nz]

My nephew "had to" get a laptop for school last year (techinically didn't have to but was strongly recommended, and he would have been in minority if not using one) - age 11/yr7 (in our school system). 

I think it's a bit crazy - I just don't think it's necessary.  There are so many things (maths, geography, all kinds of stuff) that kids are unlikely to pick up outside of school that I think should be being taught instead.  Kids seem to pick up using computers/ipads etc quite quickly that it seems a waste to spend so much time using them in school. 

My 3yr old can unlock and open games etc on an android tablet, and that's just having a play on DH's one about once a fortnight or less! 
DS can do that and starting to use the computer - he likes to type letters in Word and do "drawing" in paint, and play on the calculator and try to guess the answer.  And I guess that's kinda ok, but I'd far rather he spent that time actually writing letters on a piece of paper and drawing with pencils etc. 
I was quite surprised to see some sections about using computers on his school report (year 1) - he is supposedly performing "at or below expectations" which was his lowest result, and certainly not one I'm about to try and "fix"!

[obbie]

I don't have one, but I am tempted.

My kids are at a state school grades 2 & 3.

Amy, they are so fit and healthy, running around after school, extremely active, and outside kids.

something I will have to think about.  They use computers at school, a couple of times a week.
my kids love paint.net to draw.

just so many got them for christmas...

[cookie1]

It is hard Robyn. Perhaps it could be a pyjamas on and ready for bed time, although that then takes away time to read..I"m glad I don't have to make those decisions.

[gertbysea]

One thing  you have to think about is that an iPad is NOT a computer but with the appropriate apps  such as quick office or pages it can do many things a computer will do.  Many schools here are using iPads which are supplied by the school. They are pre loaded with school programmes and text books .

It is the way of the world and either one  is a great learning tool.  It is the way in which kids use these tools that is the important thing not the tools themselves.  Kids today have the world in an instant which is a wonderful thing. Teaching methods and teachers themselves have to keep up. The schools of the future will be nothing like we remember in 2013 and are far different from the school  of the not so distant past.

Computers and devices allow bright kids to search and find their interest so they can advance more quickly than the school system allows in classic classroom teaching.  Children should,be encouraged to use every tool available to them in the best way possible.

It is up to parents to observe,  advise and decide if their children  are using the Internet for good or for Evil.

One example of evil is this.......

I observed yesterday  a posting on Face Book by a 15 year old smart ass  saying to a "friend"  and I quote. "Your mum sucked my  d*** last night". Not only was sucked spelled incorrectly but his d*** was spelled  incorrectly.  I don't know what outraged me more, the poor spelling or the blatant  sexism and disrespect this kid had for his "friend"  and his mother.

Do you know what your kids are posting on Facebook?  I took a screenshot of it and am so tempted to broadcast it elsewhere. That one post will follow this  nasty kid all his life not to mention all the other stuff he posts.  If I can find this  just what are his parents doing allowing him to have a Facebook page and what is his wonderfully expensive private catholic school  doing allowing kids to use Facebook  during school hours. Oh and was sent from his iPhone. I wonder who paid for that?

On the other hand my granddaughter in India sent me a lovely VDO  made and sent from her iPad and she is only 7. 

Good or Evil it is up to the parents I say.

Gert.

[deedub]

I'm all for kids having technology in schools, as you say Gert it's the way of the future. I just wonder how some state schools can afford to provide them at no cost to parents (we have the option of 'purchasing' for $100, but kids won't get to keep them until they finish grade 6), when other schools can only dream of being able to fund such a scheme. I know our school raises a lot of money from the school fair, but that goes towards capital projects like a new building.
I'm happy my kids are benefitting, just a shame it's not available to all - seems a bit unfair.

[gertbysea]

I could not agree  more deedub. The,school system is a shamble in my opinion. Some schools hoard money,many waste money and nothing is equal..

Parents should not have to work so hard to raise funds for things that should be provided by our taxes. If schools want to use this technology it should be available free of charge to each and every student . Governments waste so much money on crapola. Schools should be  able to spend the money where needed. I each school . Every area is different. What ever happened to Rudd's Smart Country initiatives?

Gert

[obbie]

maybe they will have to save up for one each. Great way for them to do extra chores around the house..

They would have to value it, not just be given it....

I should ask the school if our kids get them.

[DizzyGirl]

DS who is 8 has one. He doesn't have a laptop. I have put some educational and non educational games on it. No fb and only I know the password for iTunes etc. I also put a password on utube. I was lucky to win one so DS got it for Xmas. He isn't allowed to use it until all homework and chores are done and it is taken off him if he misbehaves. We don't have a wii play station or DS. Only the iPad.

[obbie]

thanks Dizzy, we don't have a wii or a DS.
only the laptops we bought for the birthdays last year, which should last them a while.

[Cornish Cream]

Evening everyone 
Morning DJ

[Amy :-)]

Morning CC