Showing posts with label mobile phone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mobile phone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mobile phone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mobile phone. Show all posts

What are the Pros and Cons of Using iPads in the Classroom Today?

It's not always easy to motivate and engage children in a large classroom setting. Large spatial environments can distract some students and overwhelm others. Children can lose focus staring at other kids or at random objects in the classroom. All students learn curriculum at a different pace and academic level. Keeping instruction at the same level for every student can cause lower-performing students to get lost in the shuffle. On the other hand, the more academically advanced students can get held back by the rest of the class and become bored with the lessons, decreasing their motivation. Today, technology serves as one of the best ways to engage children at their personal skill level. A new trend in classrooms is teaching academic subjects using iPads. So, what are the Pros and Cons of Using iPads in the Classroom Today?



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What are the Pros and Cons of Using iPads in the Classroom Today?


iPads can make learning more simple than working on a laptop or desktop, but not everyone agrees that using iPads provide the best education for kids--and fulfill the needs of learning the curriculum and the content standards. We're sharing some pros and cons of using iPads in the classroom so you can decide for yourself.


Pros of Using iPads


Students Love Working on iPads

It's no secret that kids love technology. iPads in the classroom can engage even the most bored and distracted students.

Students Possess the Ability to Interact With Many Apps

The iPad interacts with a variety of apps. Software developers seem to have an app for everything from learning math to learning the weather.

Apps give students more choices for learning. New apps are readily available and improving with technology.

Tablets Can Work as a Second Computer Monitor

Today, students use their iPads as a second computer monitor through the functions of programs like Sidecar. Learn how to use Sidecar in this informative article.

Ebooks Serve the Same Value as Textbooks

Some people believe ebooks can replace textbooks You can always download ebooks if it's easier for your style of learning.

Students don't have to worry about bringing their textbooks from their lockers to class because all their ebooks can be stored in one place. This also solves the issue of kids forgetting to bring their textbooks. It also saves trees.

Great Learning Tool For Students With Disabilities 

The iPad has several handicap accessible applications to help struggling learners and disabled students, including apps created for students with cognitive and learning disabilities. 

iPads are Easier to Read Than Textbooks

Textbooks used year after year can become difficult to read. Students put marks in texts, underline, and highlight chapter sections. They often write notes in the margins that cover important text. This often makes the text unreadable. eBooks keep their original format.

Another advantage of using iPads is that students with visual problems can use accessibility tools such as bolding and enlarging the text.

iPads are Lightweight

In middle school and high school, students often need to carry heavy textbooks from class to class. The iPad is portabie and weighs much less than a textbook.

Other than textbooks, students need to carry binders, notebooks, calculators, and other educational tools in their backpacks. There's no need for students to cram all those educational materials into their book bags and break their backs when they could just carry an iPad.

Students are able to have all their learning materials on their iPads. This helps them stay organized and makes life easier on parents and guardians, too.




Cons of Using iPads


Typing on iPads Can Be Frustrating for Kids

Typing on a computer keyboard is much easier and faster than typing on an iPad. It can be especially frustrating when kids need to create large documents. Even though some iPads have keyboards on them, using a computer keyboard is easier and faster.

One exception is that you can sync your iPad to an Apple wireless keyboard. This is a good idea if you plan to do much typing. However, not all schools have access to Apple wireless keyboards. The student may need to provide their own.

iPads Don't Support Adobe Flash and Javascript

The top criticism of Apple products, including the iPad, is its inability to be compatible with Adobe Flash Player and Javascript.

Many educational websites use Flash. This can limit students to access these tools. However, some people believe some of the newer apps provide ways around Adobe Flash files and Javascript.

iPads Need to Be Charged

Just like a cellphone, iPads need to be charged. A desktop computer in a classroom can be plugged into an outlet. It doesn't require charging.

When power isn't up, learning goes down. Kids can forget to charge their iPads and busy teachers may not have time to check that every single iPad has a full charge to last the entire class period.

Needs Wi-Fi to Operate

Using iPads in the classroom relies solely on maintaining a good Wi-Fi connection. When Wi-Fi has a poor connection or the internet is down, learning stagnates.

All of those devices on the school network can slow it down and eat up all the bandwidth. This can also slow down learning in the classroom or even compromise the lesson.

It's much easier to store educational materials that can be accessed later on a computer than it is on an iPad.

Students Can Get Distracted by Social Media

Tablets are a great learning tool, but they're also a distraction for students who would rather play on social media. It's easy for them to get off task and quickly log into a game, instant messenger, or Snapchat when they should be working.


The Final Word on Using iPads in Today's Classrooms

Compare these pros and cons to decide for yourself if you believe iPads are effective in today's school classrooms and homeschooling environments.

Looking for more educational tips? Explore the blog.



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6 Ways to Child Proof a Cell Phone

6 Ways to Child Proof a Cell Phone 


Nowadays, it's common to see toddlers and preschoolers happily engaged with a smartphone or tablet. These devices are ideal when it comes to keeping kids entertained. However, eventually your child will ask for their own phone. When that time comes, you'll want to take the appropriate measures to protect the phone and its software settings. Here are six tips to help you kid proof a cell phone.

This post contains affiliate links.


kid proof cell phone


Tips to Kid Proof Cell Phone



Before your child takes the responsibility of owning their own phone, follow these tips to kid-proof a cell phone.



  • The Right Case 


If adults are susceptible to the occasional drop or cracked screen, imagine what damage a kid can do with a phone! All of these phone and tablet devices are fragile and easy to damage. 

A heavy-duty case is the right move for a first-time phone owner. There are also a wide range of options for cases, so heavy-duty doesn't have to mean boring, bulky, or ugly. There are many cute, protective cases perfect for your daughter or character cases for your son. Shopping for a phone case is a fun activity to do with your kids, enjoy the time spent searching for the right case!


  • Screen Protector 


While some cases have built in screen-protectors, this is not a universal trait. A screen protector is something every person needs. This thin protective layer protects against cracking and other regular wear and tear. It provides you peace of mind, knowing your kid is less likely to show you a cracked phone screen and help you to avoid costly replacements.


  • Family Sharing Protections 


On some devices, like Apple, you can use Family Sharing for calendars, photos, and other storage. This means you can easily share books, apps, and music purchases rather than buy them multiple times. 


In addition, Family Sharing protections allow you, as the parent, to receive alerts when your child tries to download an app, book, movie, and more. You can approve or reject – allowing you to monitor what your child is downloading, as well as the purchases. 


It certainly is upsetting to have surprise purchases in your inbox when your kids don't understand some apps and games cost money! Let family sharing help. 


  • Disable In-App Purchases and App Downloads 


Another option is to disable in-app purchases. Some games have micro-purchases in the app where a simple click can rack up a hefty bill. 


Instead of letting your child purchase endlessly, you can go to Settings > General > Restrictions. From there, simply disable In-App Purchases. You can also disable app installation or deletion. This allows you to monitor how your child is using their phone. 


  • Monitor Screen Time 


Most smartphones have screen time built in so you can check and track how much time is spent on each app. If you suspect a Candy Crush overload, you can look at your child’s phone and see just how much time is spent on that game. From there, you can have healthy conversations about screen time and how to limit phone usage


  • Gift Cards 


Over time, you might want to teach your child the value of money and how to wisely spend what they have. An option is to use gift cards instead of connecting to a family account. For example, you can use an iTunes gift card for Apple products or an Amazon gift card for a Kindle Fire or another Amazon device. 


With family settings in place, you can still approve purchases, but you give your kids a little more control over spending.


Bottom Line

Opening your child up to the world by handing them a cell phone is a rite of passage. But before you give them this full responsibility, take some precautions to make sure the entire experience helps prepare them for adulthood. 



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Do your kids have mobile phones? We recently purchased a smartphone to use as a house phone. Though, my kids have tablets and free access to computers, I worry about the cell phone, the texting, the access to the world in the palm of your hand. Smartphones have become addictive. I wondered, is their an app for that? Of course, there's an app for everything! Should we limit smartphone use? In this post, Hilary Smith, shares some insight on the overuse of technology combined with our kids, but it might not be the child who has the problem. That's right, Mom (or Dad), you might need an app to limit smartphone use. Enjoy!