Monday night I was at a friend's house. We were chatting about various topics including writing, reading, teaching, life, and her iPad. I was enamored with what she had shown me so far. I loved the concept of the iPad and all it offered. I was considering the possibility of purchasing one myself. Hence, why she was showing me all the do-dads and gadgets that make the iPad so cool and useful.
Her son entered the kitchen and clambered on to a chair at the dining table where we sat chatting. My friend, reminded by the sight of her son, wanted to show me this great application that allows children to create their own story. They can pick their own background (or create one), maneuver characters they have chosen, and ultimately tell the story aloud. The iPad captures their voice and the movements as their little fingers manipulate the characters on the screen.
Having run through the basics, she wanted to show me what it looked and sounded like when you played the story. After a few sorrowful attempts determining how to actually get the story to play, we enlisted the help of her 4-year-old son. In mere seconds, and a few flicks and a tap of his finger, he managed to show us how to play the story.
Sad? Absolutely. Embarrassing? Totally. Hilarious? Utterly.
It will never cease to amaze me the intelligence children have for technology.
Cleverness? Possibly. Genius? Tempting. Common sense? Most likely.
Comments
I've been thinking about an Ipad, so it gives me encouragement that the four year old mastered it, I can too. Love the seesaw of your question/answer.
It makes me realize I need to depend on students more to integrate technology into the classroom.
Ruth
Bonnie