APS: I can't stand iPads

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

They're just tools, pp. That's like saying ban pencils because there's no evidence pencils improve learning.

Except there *is* evidence saying that pencils improve learning. Specifically, that writing notes with a writing implement on paper is better than taking notes on a computer.

Also, if they're "just tools," shouldn't parents be allowed to opt out of their use?

You can't argue that something is transformative and that it's no big deal.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They're just tools, pp. That's like saying ban pencils because there's no evidence pencils improve learning.

Except there *is* evidence saying that pencils improve learning. Specifically, that writing notes with a writing implement on paper is better than taking notes on a computer.

Also, if they're "just tools," shouldn't parents be allowed to opt out of their use?

You can't argue that something is transformative and that it's no big deal.

I never argued they were transformative.

I prefer my child to not have to carry textbooks around in a 20-poundd backpack. I like that she learns coding. I like that she uses the iPad for presentations and to augment science projects with movies and pictures.

I am deeply suspicious of luddites who fret that screens are evil based on ... nothing.

Pretty simple.

[Anonymous]

I'm deeply suspicious of people to write off parents who read the research about devices and education as "Luddites."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm deeply suspicious of people to write off parents who read the research about devices and education as "Luddites."

You're not smart enough to understand the research. The thing is, you're an Arlingtonian so you don't know what you don't know. You're frequently wrong, but rarely in doubt.

[Anonymous]

Honestly, IPad's aren't the only $-waste in ARL. Here's my list:
1. IPads
2. Big huge computer screens in every classroom.
3. Busing kids to "choice" schools b/c we have illogical schools (choice) and zones.
4. Admin load. I went to K info night and there are tons of random "specialists". Who needs them? how hard can it be to pick out a math book?
5. ok, maybe that won't buy us more neighborhood schools...but it's a start.

[Anonymous]

Both my kids go to different highly regarded progressive privates and both use school iPads regularly.

In the case of the 6th grader, iPads are just how most of the work gets done and organized. And it is how the kids collaborate. They move seamlessly from iPads at school to computers at home and back. Objecting seems like objecting to pencils.

In the case of the kindergartener at another school, I think they use the camera a lot to document observations of nature, etc. Plus some creative story creating apps, etc. I would mind this more if I thought they used the iPads a lot or if I didn't trust the school to know what they were doing.

I am 100% sure they don't use iPads for the purpose of wanting to teach kids how to use iPads. iPads are easier to use than pencils.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I can't stand this policy. I think it is lazy. The kids zone out in front of screens and the research continues to support divesting from screens, not pushing more.

How can this policy change? Is there any way to convince aps to turn this policy around? In an era where there is a shortage of seats, why on earth did they spend so much on stupid teaching methods?

/rant over

I love them. The things my kid has been able to do with them since getting an iPad has been nothing short of amazing. She's used it to augment science projects, she's learned to code, she's worked out presentations.

I would be there shouting you down if you tried to convince APS to "turn this policy around." I'm so sick of you luddite ninnies who are afraid of your shadow. It's 2016. Get with the damn times.

PP, most had some Mountain Dew or maybe some French Roast coffee you are jackedup.
Technology moves fast 18-24 month cycles, kids are learning how to be more effective with the readily available IT tools.
I get that middle and high schoolers should be embracing iPads whatever is available or funded.

My argument is that in elementary school kids, need to learn discipline and foundational learning concepts/skills. Such as being able to orally communicate thru reading from an actual book (Gasp), teamwork thru socialization, etc.

Learning by asking SIRI really isn't fair to responding or completing an assignment.

I am more concerned about the overcrowding issues since I have toddler. And all I see is bunch pregnant women in my neighborhood move-in.
APS will not be able to meet capacity/demands of us parents.

I've never seen my middle schooler use his school-issued iPad for anything other than playing games.

Huh. Mine has done entire school projects on them.

Same here. I was very much against the ipad use at Swanson and would have refused it if not the awkward position it would have put my DD. Now, here we are the end of 6th grade and I must admit that it has been helpful and used appropriately by the teachers and my DD.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think this policy is so stupid and spoke out about that at the time. I think Falls Church City also does this and is proud of themselves. What a waste of money and disservice to the kids. Can't believe these two systems are so proud of themselves for giving free access to screens.

Most of us in Falls Church City don't like it either. Such a waste of money.

It sounds different. Our elementary students in FCCPS have access to iPads and Macs for specific projects. Like they do research, create Google presentations, etc. But it isn't "theirs", they don't bring t home or anything.

Personally, I think it's been great. They use it as a tool to complement what they are working on and are learning the technology. I would be opposed to the school district giving our iPads to use at home, unless there was a very specific task they needed to do (and wary even then, elementary kids don't need to be doing too much schoolwork outside of school anyway ).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm deeply suspicious of people to write off parents who read the research about devices and education as "Luddites."

You're not smart enough to understand the research. The thing is, you're an Arlingtonian so you don't know what you don't know. You're frequently wrong, but rarely in doubt.

Unlike you, who knows everything.

Jeff, newsflash: we don't care if your DD make a report on her iPad.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm deeply suspicious of people to write off parents who read the research about devices and education as "Luddites."

You're not smart enough to understand the research. The thing is, you're an Arlingtonian so you don't know what you don't know. You're frequently wrong, but rarely in doubt.

PKM? Bored high schooler? Smug Arlington parent with the initals RD?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our FCPS ES is proud that the kindergartners get time on the computer and the iPad. Do I want that? No, but what can I do?

Write to the Board of Supervisors members.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They're just tools, pp. That's like saying ban pencils because there's no evidence pencils improve learning.

Except there *is* evidence saying that pencils improve learning. Specifically, that writing notes with a writing implement on paper is better than taking notes on a computer.

Also, if they're "just tools," shouldn't parents be allowed to opt out of their use?

You can't argue that something is transformative and that it's no big deal.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Both my kids go to different highly regarded progressive privates and both use school iPads regularly.

In the case of the 6th grader, iPads are just how most of the work gets done and organized. And it is how the kids collaborate. They move seamlessly from iPads at school to computers at home and back. Objecting seems like objecting to pencils.

In the case of the kindergartener at another school, I think they use the camera a lot to document observations of nature, etc. Plus some creative story creating apps, etc. I would mind this more if I thought they used the iPads a lot or if I didn't trust the school to know what they were doing.

I am 100% sure they don't use iPads for the purpose of wanting to teach kids how to use iPads. iPads are easier to use than pencils.

And once again, the research is clear that children learn better, retain more information via actual *writing* than typing. It's great that children can create professional-looking power-point presentations with movies imbedded in them for science class. But how much actual science is being learned, understood, and remembered?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm deeply suspicious of people to write off parents who read the research about devices and education as "Luddites."

You're not smart enough to understand the research. The thing is, you're an Arlingtonian so you don't know what you don't know. You're frequently wrong, but rarely in doubt.

You're not smart enough to troll

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

They're just tools, pp. That's like saying ban pencils because there's no evidence pencils improve learning.

Except there *is* evidence saying that pencils improve learning. Specifically, that writing notes with a writing implement on paper is better than taking notes on a computer.

Also, if they're "just tools," shouldn't parents be allowed to opt out of their use?

You can't argue that something is transformative and that it's no big deal.

+1

Even better. get rid of the pencils and just write in the sand!