An Evolution in Children’s Culture

By: Alexandra PappasImage by Flickr

Your child born into a World of...

innovationcreativity

eFFICIENCYconvenience

technology

diversity

mobility

Image by flickr

In 2011, what defines “Children’s Culture”?

Image by flickr

Will you encourage your child to play outside? Many children have become susceptible to playing with the electronic gadgets of today

Image by sxc

These electronic gadgets are cultivated by one brand, and each gadget is a toy chest....

Image by sxc

...filled with millions of different toysImage by flickr

The amount of time children spend on the computer has tripled in the past 10 years

The amount of time children between theages of 6 and 16 spend on the computerhas tripled in the past 10 years.Source: Kaiser Family Foundation, 2009

Image by Flickr

The percentage of children between the ages of 8 and 18 who own these electronic gadgets has more than doubled

over the past 5 years

Within North America alone, Apple Inc. represents 70.8% of theelectronics market, making them a profitable $220 Billion Corporation.Source: The Business Insider, May 2010

Image by sxc

?So what’s the point of all of this? Today, our world is dominated by technology, with

Image by sxc

as our leader.

A parent must ask them self, “is this

beneficial or harmful to my child?”

Image by photogen

Image by sxc

There are many benefits to exposing your children to technology at a young age.

“In the past decade research has proved that children who use educational software on computers display greater

developmental gains in essential skills than children who do not use a computer regularly”Source: Examiner, George Ottusch, June 2010

Image by sxc

Meet the iPad.

Image by Flickr

A tablet-like gadget including access to internet, applications, music and video player.

Image by Flickr

The touch technology of iPads make it easier for young toddlers to navigate. With this technology children develop hand-eye coordination skills as early as 12 months old as oppose to 3 years old.Source: Children’s Technology Review, 2010

Image by flickr

Thousands of educational applications for young children also make the iPad more desirable by parents.

A recent study showed that with the daily use of educational applications, a child’s vocabulary can enlarge by as much as 31% in two weeks.Source: Examiner, George Ottusch, June 2010

Image by bestkidapps

Publishers such as PBS have developed applications for the iPad as well.

“...the PBS KIDS Video for iPad App is specifically designed with kids in mind, with features that are easy to use and content that supports curricular goals. Our content helps build skills to prepare them for success in school and in life” – Lesli Rotenberg, Senior Vice President, Children’s Media PBSSource: TVNewsCheck, May 2011

Image by Flickr

An iPad is the ideal pacifier. It can entertain at any time without the assistance of a parent. With parent-selected applications, an iPad is likely to be more educational

than television.

Image by Flickr

The iPad has been found to assist autistic children with their abilities to learn. A study was conducted in Toronto where iPads were installedin a classroom with 6 autistic students. Although the results are still beinganalyzed, they seem to be positive. Source: edexpat, Fraser Smith, August 2010

The iPad helps to... -Extend short attention spans-Demonstrate understanding-Increase interest

Image by sxc

iPads in School?Students’ homework would be compact

An iPad at each desk would allow students sitting at the back of the class to see properly

No need to take notes as all of the information would be stored on the iPad

Image by sxc

Would iPads take away from a Teacher’s duties?

Image by Flickr

The implementation of iPads would diminish the traditional classroom style of books, paper and an instructor.

Image by sxc

Universities are experiencing troubles with keeping students interested in the lectures and even attending classes, due to distraction from electronic devices.

If these forms of technology are exposed to children during their

childhood, how will this problem ever be solved?

“Thirty years from now universities will be relics. Those great teachers are the ones whose courses will be converted for electronic transmission andconsumption by all” – Larry Ellison, Oracle CEO

Image by Flickr

In the long run...

A) Do these “toys” truly help our children?

OR

B) Or will they diminish their

cognitive skills as they rely on more technology, just as calculators have?

Image by Flickr

Where do you see your child in the future?

Image by Flickr