Jamestown elementary school - they use iPads for 40 min a day at kindergarten classes.

[Anonymous]

This gives me a pause. Is this common in public schools? Teachers also said that they let kids play games in iPads "sometimes". I mean, is this really necessary to expose kids to screen time? We try to limit it at home.

[Anonymous]

My kids get a lot of iPad time at our FCPS ES. I don't like it, but I don't dislike it enough to complain.

[Anonymous]

It's not like they are playing Pokémon. It's Starfall.

[Anonymous]

Ok, another question then - do private schools use iPads every day?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ok, another question then - do private schools use iPads every day?

Which private? There is no private standard.

[Anonymous]

Why do so many people assume that looking at a computer screens is harmful? This isn't like x-rays where the amount of exposure adds up and becomes harmful. There is simply no harm in learning how to use computers. Sure, I'd have an issue if they're using them for several hours a day, but using a device as a learning resource is a life skill that starts early. My kids have been using computers and tablets since they were toddlers and they are good, smart students with excellent research and computer skills. I'd be thrilled if they had tablets in kindergarten to assist them in their lessons.

[Anonymous]

What's wrong with using an iPad in the classroom? They are probably being used for learning games. Third world countries would be thrilled to have this.

[Anonymous]

Tell me again why all screen time must be limited to the very minimum. I don't even see a little bit of a problem with this.

[Anonymous]

Many classrooms are using iPads/ kindles as e-readers. Some even use them as part of a guided reading lesson. It's not a bad thing using technology!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This gives me a pause. Is this common in public schools? Teachers also said that they let kids play games in iPads "sometimes". I mean, is this really necessary to expose kids to screen time? We try to limit it at home.

So what is your issue with this? Apparently, the AAP doesn't count educational activities on iPads and such as screen time. What terrible happens to your kid if they play a math game on the iPad at school?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This gives me a pause. Is this common in public schools? Teachers also said that they let kids play games in iPads "sometimes". I mean, is this really necessary to expose kids to screen time? We try to limit it at home.

Jamestown has a tech focus and has won many awards from Apple for its use of technology in the classroom. The games they play are educational in nature, and Jamestown is a leader in terms of using iPads as an educational tool.

In my view, yes, it's necessary to integrate these devices in our 21st Century education.

I'm not sure why you try to limit it at home -- is it a problem for you? What issue do you have with screens? They're a central part of our lives now and a critical learning tool.

[Anonymous]

Jamestown has a cameo in this story from a couple of years ago. The teacher has moved on after getting credentialed to teach gifted children (and she was exceptional -- our DDs both had her), but this is a pretty good snapshot of what's happening:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/tablets-proliferate-in-nations-classrooms-and-take-a-swipe-at-the-status-quo/2014/05/17/faa27ba4-dbbd-11e3-8009-71de85b9c527_story.html

[Anonymous]

How else can teachers keep 25+ five and six year olds busy and quiet while they test s due term individually? This takes HOURS many times per year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This gives me a pause. Is this common in public schools? Teachers also said that they let kids play games in iPads "sometimes". I mean, is this really necessary to expose kids to screen time? We try to limit it at home.

Good for them. Kids can learn certain skills way faster and more efficiently through engaging technology than they ever could through traditional classroom activities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This gives me a pause. Is this common in public schools? Teachers also said that they let kids play games in iPads "sometimes". I mean, is this really necessary to expose kids to screen time? We try to limit it at home.

Good for them. Kids can learn certain skills way faster and more efficiently through engaging technology than they ever could through traditional classroom activities.

I say this as a teacher.