Impact of Smart Devices on Kids Learning

May 18
09:27

2013

Susan S Smith

Susan S Smith

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Smart phones have become an integral part of our lives. We depend on them to such an extent that living without them is unimaginable for most of us. They have changed the way we live, work, communicate or

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Smart phones have become an integral part of our lives. We depend on them to such an extent that living without them is unimaginable for most of us.  They have changed the way we live,Impact of Smart Devices on Kids Learning Articles work, communicate or navigate the world and they cater to all ages, professions, and genders. The backbone of smart device community is the strong mobile app ecosystem. Mobile device without an app is like popcorn without butter. We have an app for almost everything, be it work, entertainment, shopping, education etc.

 

Mobile apps can be a great learning tool in the hands of children of all ages. In addition to  being a tool for learning, these apps keep the kids gainfully occupied. Some of these apps are free, while others are not. But the question is, are they really making the kids smarter?

 

Let us look at the possible advantages of smartphone learning:

 

Interactive learning: Kids love apps which have audio–visual graphics and which interact with them. There are many apps that are fun and educational and allow kids to interact with the graphics. There are many interactive, fun to use apps on subjects like fruits, animals and their sounds, listening to podcasts etc. For example, there are interactive book reading apps which help children develop their literacy skills. These apps also keep kids busy while the parents are busy doing grocery or driving.

 

Convenience and flexibility: These mobile apps are accessible wherever you are and whenever you want. This means mobile learning doesn’t have any location based or time based restrictions. You can now keep your kids constructively involved in their favorite learning app when on a long aircraft journey, or simply when you’re running /driving around doing grocery.

 

Learn new languages: Now, there are fun and interactive ways for children as well as adults to learn   different languages. Mobile devices can make the process of learning easier. These apps start right at the basic level and are very helpful for kids who want to learn a differ language of their choice. Most of these language learning apps are free on Android and IOS.

 

Online search:  Children has search engines like Google, safari etc to browse for any information or subject they desire. The instantaneous access to information that mobile technologies provide is a greatest gift to mankind. They can download various applications from google, Appstore etc.

 

Documentation purposes: Smartphones can be used to better document the activities/evidence via audio/video camera.

 

Personalized learning: Each kid is different from another with different level of absorbing information. Mobile learning technologies offer personalized learning experiences which enable kids to learn in their own way.

 

Relevance: These kind of learning is based on your need for example, when and what do you want to learn. This is need based and not stimulated.

 

These are just some of the benefits of smartphone learning. But both teachers and parents need to ensure that the screen time consumption for their kids is in moderation and it doesn’t take up too much of time in a day. Kids, at the same time need to be more responsible in their usage and need adult supervision. There are soft wares that can monitor your kids’ activities over the phone. With these points in mind, it is believed that mobile devices can be useful, fun learning tools for kids of all ages and definitely makes kids smarter.

 

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