In today’s world, it can be difficult to get kids to “unplug” from checking social media sites, texting on their smartphones, watching TV, or playing interactive video games. However, in recent years, technologies like these have proven themselves to be more than a means of entertainment. Now, they are even considered major tools for learning in and out of the classroom. How has your family responded to integrating technology in everyday entertainment, education and early childhood development?
In this new digital age, parents are finding that their kids are more adept at learning to navigate new online interfaces and devices than they would have ever thought. As kids as young as three develop their own digital footprints, the responsibility of guiding little learners through this new digital world falls on parents and educators like you. From surfing the web to do research for school and reading e-books to playing “edu-taining” games or simply wanting to connect with their peers through social media, it is almost impossible for kids to avoid the use digital tools like computers, mobile devices and other systems. Today, these tools make up some of the major avenues in which kids pick up developmental skills and experience social interactions.
For your littlest learners, JumpStart even has a few Preschool focused mobile apps that you can check out!
Let us know how involved your family is with today’s technology from the phenomena of social media to the growing use of digital devices like tablets, smartphones, computers, and even online virtual world games like JumpStart. Now is your chance to join our discussion on technology and kids by answering the following questions. Feel free to expand on any of your choices in the comments section below –
1. What devices do your kids use for recreational entertainment and educational gameplay?
a. iPhone or iPod touch
b. iPad or iPad mini
c. Android smart phones
d. Android tablets
e. other – explain in the comments.
2. What types of apps or games do you choose most often for your family?
a. Educational – learning games
b. Entertainment – “just for fun” games
c. Utility apps – family schedules, school planners, etc.
d. Games with emphasized social features
3. How much time does your family spend using digital tools like computers, tablets, smartphones, etc
a. Less than 1hr / day
b. 1-2 hours / day
c. 2-3 hours / day
d. 3 + hours / day
Share your thoughts on these and any other online or tech concerns that you might have regarding raising kids in the digital age. We want to know what you have to say!
Filed under: Family Fun, Games, Just for Fun!, newsletter, Technology and Kids Tagged: | learning games, mobile games, Newsletter, technology
1. A&B
2. B
3. D
Yeah, pretty much that’s it!