Technology for kids

[thyme4change]

Why isn't technology making its way fast enough for me?  

My daughter's backpack weighs a million pounds.  It is so full, she carries her dance bag (which really only has shoes in it) and her lunch box separately.  I thought they were going to put all text books on Kindle, and everyone was going to be able to manage their calendar and notes on a tablet.  She goes to a rich, snobby school - they could totally get away with employing more requirements, even if they are expensive.

Her teachers insist on her buying books and not kindle, so they can make notes in the book if they want to.




Do any of you have kids whose school is using more technology to lighten the (literal) load?

[Wisconsin Beth]

make notes i- make notes in th- I can't do it.  I can't even finish that horrible, hideous thought you said the teachers are using as a reason for not switching to Kindles, etc. 

[Deleted]

You can take notes/highlight on kindle...      

I have to say I'm more adept at and prefer doing that with a 'real' book... But I'm sure those raised on electronics will likely not feel the same...

[thyme4change]

Dec 17, 2013 9:35:12 GMT -5 Wisconsin Beth said:

make notes i- make notes in th- I can't do it.  I can't even finish that horrible, hideous thought you said the teachers are using as a reason for not switching to Kindles, etc. 

LOL - could be an excuse because the school doesn't want to deal with kindles, etc.  But using a Kindle only really helps if you get a critical mass of your books on it.  Otherwise, carrying a kindle vs. carrying that one paperback book - no help.

[sheilaincali]

At DS' high school he only has his own copy of a book for one class.  All the rest of the classes just have a set for the classroom (shared by all sections of that class) and a link to the book online.

The kids are encouraged to bring kindles, iPads, smart phones and so on to class with them so they can access the teacher's websites during class.  DS has had to use the facetime and Skype features during class on his assignments because they have done a few group projects with students at schools in different states. 

[Deleted]

Dec 17, 2013 10:00:01 GMT -5 sheilaincali said:

At DS' high school he only has his own copy of a book for one class.  All the rest of the classes just have a set for the classroom (shared by all sections of that class) and a link to the book online.

This is what DD's school does as well.  The online book also has extra material, if they are struggling with something.  She is in middle school.

[Chocolate Lover]

Our high school gave every kid Mac Book Airs a couple of years ago. To use, take home etc.... That said, DS has still brought home the occasional massive book even though they have the laptops. They are getting distributed through the middle school and down to the 4th grade in elementary school as well. The younger classes have iPads in the classroom. I still haven't seen much elimination of textbooks though. I've seen school copies of required reading books and I've bought a few myself. I'm sure they're learning lots about incorporating technology into various things but the books are still around. They can access at least some (IDK about all) of the books online so they can leave the book at school and not have to drag it back and forth.