iPad in Preschool - thoughts on technology and young children

I would be a cynic if it weren't for seeing the value of technology based learning in young children.

When you see a child playing with a computer, mp3 player, DVD player, iPhone or iPad, do you assume parents are just keeping their child occupied. Basically parents are using their electronics as surrogate parents. Yeah, I get it. I would have thought this way if I hadn't experienced first hand just how integral technology can be to learning at a young age.

My child is 4 and he's not much for structured learning. He's just like any other 4 year old in that he'll happily do projects and activities.  Like anyone his age, he's a drifter going from one topic to another with perhaps a different view of finishing projects than you and I have. But he's constantly learning.

Regardless, he's a whiz at technology.  By the age of 4 he was using a digital camera, camcorder, mp3 player, iPhone and iPad proficiently.  It's incredible to watch the speed of adoption as he uses intuitive devices.  He can't read but he can navigate difficult menus from trial and error and memory.  It's astonishing how he learns and adapts to new digital tools.

I believe these tools should be in every preschool.  From cameras to computers, technical devices really do seem to make a difference and are a great educational and developmental tool.  An iPad in the classroom will make a difference.  Plenty of age appropriate games and apps can be found so we don't just have to use these devices at home.

It's time to embrace technology.  I believe it will usher in a new age of collaborative learning and I can't wait to see how things develop.

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Parents - Support Your Child's School Fundraiser!

This year, if you get a fundraising packet delivered to you from an excited child, do not recycle it.  Do not toss it.  Do not complain.  It's a real need, a real request.  School needs today are more dire than it would appear.

Plus your support means less fundraisers throughout the school year!

If your school is doing the 'fundraising thing' right, you will not see too many of them and it will not get overwhelming.  The school will focus it's efforts on raising significant funds on one main fundraiser per semester.  If you see one after another, refer them to this blog fundraising-advice.com so I can show them the error of their ways.

Schools are taking full advantage of their resources.  They are not wasteful and contrary to popular belief, funds are utilized in the best ways possible.  What's more, a school fundraiser impacts every child directly while they are at the school.

Other than donating time inside the classroom, is there a better way to support a child than improve their education directly?

I sound pretty darn uppety and I know it.  Forgive me.  I'm passionate that parents should participate in fundraisers and schools should limit fundraisers so parents WANT to participate.

I look forward to your comments.

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Jay Moneta is the vice president of Believe Kids Fundraising and blogs here at fundraising-advice.com as well as thefundraisingpln.com.  You can find me on twitter and can check out the elementary school fundraisers available at BelieveKids.com if it suits you. Thanks!