May 23, 2012

Media Trends: Schools.com Study Examines Rapid Rise of Tablet Use Among Kids — Mobile Devices Are Increasingly Valued For Their Ability to Help Children Learn, Improve Performance on Tests and Engage Academically

Schools.com, a digital resource for education, this week released a study exploring how tablets and other mobile devices are transforming the way children learn and interact with technology. The New Nanny: Tablets and Other Mobile Devices Teach and Entertain Kids centers on the recent upsurge in tablet purchases and their use among children ages eight and younger. This isn't necessarily bad news — like most great things, tablets can be used for good or evil. With supervision and some pointing in the right direction, kids can benefit from the new tablet technology. "It's fascinating to see how children embrace tablets and other technologies so quickly," said Seth Restaino, spokesperson for Schools.com, in a news release. "They're not just using these devices to play mindless games, but instead games and apps that promote reading, memory and math skills." The study also shows that 42 percent of kids use educational apps on an iPad, iPod or smartphone. While more and more parents are downloading apps for their children at home, educators have started infusing tablets and apps into their lesson plans. In 2011, more than 600 school districts nationwide reported using iPad programs to replace traditional textbooks in the classroom. "Many students are seeing higher grades on tests and overall improved academic performance," continued Restaino. "Technology can be distracting and overwhelming at times, but in this case, it's proving to be beneficial."

Courtesy of: Schools.com