Anyone using iPad as learning/distracting/entertainment device for toddlers age 2-5?
I have been looking at various V-tech laptops for toddlers but they look to be too outdated (pre ‘app’ age) with not so impressive displays. I mean a two year old familiar with iPhone’s touch and playing Talking Tom is very difficult to use V-tech laptop as learning device. They don’t seem attractive to them. Would you agree?
Mods, if its suited in parental forum, please move it there.
Re: iPad as a learning and entertainment tool for toddlers
While I understand where you are coming from, I find it very sad that a toddler should be subjected to such ‘advanced’ technology, and in essence making him a part of the rat race very early on. My own 18 month old is an expert at unlocking phones, and pushing the right buttons. He knows that for my wife’s touch screen samsung, he only needs to press the unlock button for a couple of seconds, and knows that he needs to touch and slide his grandfathers iphone in order to unlock it. We occasionally sit him down in front of a PC/laptop/ipad, and show him cartoons, alphabet stuff, and what not, but I do feel sad at times, because its an easy way out. I personally find that whenever I sit him down and actually play with him with real stuff (legos, train set etc), he finds that much more entertaining and a better learning experience. But unfortunately, we are guilty of plopping him down in front of the tv or computer at times when we are not able to give him enough time.
He has learned some stuff from watching computer videos, and then he has learnt some stuff through books. I find his book learnt knowledge to be more durable compared to computer learned stuff. Just an observation.
Re: iPad as a learning and entertainment tool for toddlers
Well…that I have thought the same thing many times before considering iPad as learning tool. I am also leaning towards waiting for another year age 3 that is before I give her iPad, until then I will be introducing more books and other tools available.
Would you recommend a good V-Tech and/or book series that you found great for learning/pre-schooling.
Re: iPad as a learning and entertainment tool for toddlers
Using technological tools to learn doesn’t have an age limitation. If, as an adult I can use it to learn, a teenager can use it in school, so can a toddler. The old scolding from our elders of “don’t sit close to a TV or your eyes would go bad” doesn’t hold true anymore. Unlike a TV screen though, the child does not just have to sit and watch, (s)he can interact and make things happen on an iPad.
The iPad is a tool, as you already agree. You can do good things with it and you can do bad things with it. Its upto you. The visuals and convenience of being able to touch and make things happen is what young childhood learning is all about. Cause and effect hasn’t ever been as easy to be experienced than with these new tablet computers. Even older people learn a few things with a lot more ease. My mother was totally absorbed by the map app that the iPad comes with and spent many an hours playing with it.