DCI: Too much focus on tablets/devices?

[Anonymous]

There are a number of great typing programs out there that are set in a very interactive, fun, game-like setting. My then 2nd grader and 4th grader learned to type that way last summer. I rewarded them with a trip to an amusement park for getting through it.

[Anonymous]

All elementary schools should be teaching keyboarding in 4th and 5th grades. Can't believe DC is so backwards if what PPs are saying is true. I know DCI required kids to do a free keyboarding program over the summer so they would be prepared. My child's elementary school (thanks, Yu Ying!) did teach him how to keyboard in 5th grade, and we practiced last summer before he went to DCI. He has no problems keyboarding quickly and efficiently. BTW, he LOVES DCI. It's a wonderful school. Just my opinion, and no flaming necessary!

[Anonymous]

An interesting article...

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/03/13/reaching-math-students-one-by-one/?ref=opinion&_r=0

I think computer use for math could be helpful. This article made me wonder what program DCI uses. Current parents, could you share any information about the math program the school uses. TIA

[Anonymous]

Another article that might be of interest

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/12/technology/learning-apps-outstrip-school-oversight-and-student-privacy-is-among-the-risks.html?ref=technology

[Anonymous]

My son attends DCI and according to him and the teacher, most of the work is done on the whiteboard and with paper and pencil. The 7th graders use a program called "Tenmarks". It is used in class occasionally but is not the primary teaching method. He uses "Tenmarks" on average 2-3x a week mostly for homework. Even using "Tenmarks" he uses paper and pencil. In the IB curriculum, they must solve the problem, show their work and verbalize (written) their thought processes. It is my understanding that computer programs does not not allow for the input of all of information necessary for IB.

[Anonymous]

Thanks 11:53. I wish the school would be more open about what the kids do on the computer. I went to the open house and all I heard was the kids spend 50% of the time on the computer and all assignments needed to be done through google chrome, all books were on the chromebook.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks 11:53. I wish the school would be more open about what the kids do on the computer. I went to the open house and all I heard was the kids spend 50% of the time on the computer and all assignments needed to be done through google chrome, all books were on the chromebook.

I heard the exact same thing.

[Anonymous]

Another interesting article...

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128092341.htm

[Anonymous]

Another article for those that are interested. This article mentions a Vanderbilt study that suggest typing produces better quality writing. I will try and find it.

http://www.educationnews.org/technology/research-handwriting-spurs-brain-activity-typing-doesnt/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another article for those that are interested. This article mentions a Vanderbilt study that suggest typing produces better quality writing. I will try and find it.

http://www.educationnews.org/technology/research-handwriting-spurs-brain-activity-typing-doesnt/

The title of that article is "Research: Handwriting Spurs Brain Activity; Typing Doesn't"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another article for those that are interested. This article mentions a Vanderbilt study that suggest typing produces better quality writing. I will try and find it.

http://www.educationnews.org/technology/research-handwriting-spurs-brain-activity-typing-doesnt/

The title of that article is "Research: Handwriting Spurs Brain Activity; Typing Doesn't"

Please STOP with this research. OK, handwriting is better. We get it. Current DCI parent here. The problem is NOT the screen-time use for educational content. It's the God Damn Video Games the school feels compelled to let kids access, in the Classroom, at lunch and just try to get a 12 yr boy to focus on homework. Whenever I tell this to friends they usually respond with Are you Serious? That or WTF?

[Anonymous]

Okay, you don't have to read if you don't want to. I also mentioned a Vanderbilt article which suggests benefits fo typing (just haven't been able to find it yet). I agree playing games in class is bad but there are other potential downsides as well as benefits to using tech in the classroom. I really enjoy reading about research as well as opinions of other parents as I try to decide if DCI will be a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another article for those that are interested. This article mentions a Vanderbilt study that suggest typing produces better quality writing. I will try and find it.

http://www.educationnews.org/technology/research-handwriting-spurs-brain-activity-typing-doesnt/

The title of that article is "Research: Handwriting Spurs Brain Activity; Typing Doesn't"

Please STOP with this research. OK, handwriting is better. We get it. Current DCI parent here. The problem is NOT the screen-time use for educational content. It's the God Damn Video Games the school feels compelled to let kids access, in the Classroom, at lunch and just try to get a 12 yr boy to focus on homework. Whenever I tell this to friends they usually respond with Are you Serious? That or WTF?

The school DOES NOT let kids access games in the classroom. If you can't manage your own kid's homework behavior, that's on you. Grow up or go elsewhere.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Another article for those that are interested. This article mentions a Vanderbilt study that suggest typing produces better quality writing. I will try and find it.

http://www.educationnews.org/technology/research-handwriting-spurs-brain-activity-typing-doesnt/

The title of that article is "Research: Handwriting Spurs Brain Activity; Typing Doesn't"

Please STOP with this research. OK, handwriting is better. We get it. Current DCI parent here. The problem is NOT the screen-time use for educational content. It's the God Damn Video Games the school feels compelled to let kids access, in the Classroom, at lunch and just try to get a 12 yr boy to focus on homework. Whenever I tell this to friends they usually respond with Are you Serious? That or WTF?

The school DOES NOT let kids access games in the classroom. If you can't manage your own kid's homework behavior, that's on you. Grow up or go elsewhere.

a kid on a school visit (some kind of open house or shadow thing?) told his mom he saw two kids sneak onto video games IN CLASS. not sure which dci thread this was in

[Anonymous]

oh i see what you mean. he saw kids playing a game on their computer in class instead of listening or taking notes. there is no way to block the entire internet. just as in the past, kids could still decide not to pay attention by drawing, writing notes to friends, chatting in class, etc. Blame the kid, not the technology. It's his/her choice to play a game and not attend. Kids will ALWAYS figure out a way not to pay attention!!!