Recently my lovely sister in law sent me this article in the Globe&Mail about how the Ipad and Itouch are being used as a less expensive alternative to costly communication devices. I have also heard some schools in Ontario are going to allow these devices in the class room to aid in school work.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/personal-tech/apple/for-autistic-kids-idevices-are-life-changers/article1530164/
I have had my iphone for a year now. I have found it helpful in many situations. My personal experience with the iphone, in regards to children, has been a positive one. I find it can come to good use in situations where a child might be overwhelmed or bored, to prevent behaviour difficulties. For example, eating out at a restaurant, the doctor's office and getting a hair cut. I have loaded my phone up with kid friendly apps to be prepared for such moments. I have found it most helpful when shopping with Matthew. I give him the phone as an incentive for good behaviour. He then just quietly follows me around the store. However, it does have the opposite effect when I have both children with me and they both want the phone!
As a communication device, i.e.; being used to type or use a picture system to help the child communicate, I have limited experience. I have downloaded the icommunicate app. I think if I had this app two years ago it may have been useful. Now that Matthew has more language it is more a digital photo album for him. He does get enjoyment from going through the pictures and naming them off.
Only time will tell if it becomes a useful education tool.
As with any 'screen time', the iphone needs to be monitored and controlled by an adult. Time with the device should be limited, in my opinion.
I would love to start a conversation about this topic. I welcome your comments!
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2 comments:
I think that any device that enhances communication skills is one to be tried! The best apps for kids are the ones that facilitate a conversation about 'what's happening now?', 'what do you see?' etc. Games like Simon's Thomas puzzle really help fine motor coordination and stimulate analytical thinking. As you said, as with all devices like this it needs to be monitored by a parent for the younger set or time limited by the parent for the old set. We don't want to create droids! XXXOOO Mom
I love my iphone and I often joke that I have more apps for my kids than me on it!!
It can be so handy in the doctors waiting rooms or a siblings swimming lesson etc. We also have the same problem with both children wanting them. Lucky my hubbie has one too!
I have a mixture of games. I do have some that are less educational but usually do give their fine motor skills a work out. The kids also love Matching games. I have a few of those, which can be played by more than one person. Aidan's favourite right now is a Math APP. It basically just asks them simple math questions and rewards them with digital stickers etc. Both kids love it!
Even something simple like the photos or videos of themselves can provide entertainment for young children. Kids love to watch themselves.
So yes, I think it's a great tool.
But the best thing is, its my phone. And the kids know that. so when I say "no more" that's it. No debating....well almost no debating!
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