Can Apps Make Kids Smarter? An App Review and Interesting Conversation

Can apps make kids smarter?  Donald Bell, a CNET editor for iPad Atlas, asks this question in his identically titled article (http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-31747_7-20006660-243.html).  According to a study funded by the Department of Education, some apps are proving to have a positive effect on the learning of children.  This particular study reviewed how 90 young children (ages 3-7) used an iPod Touch loaded with a Martha Speaks app from PBS that is designed to help students build vocabulary in a fun and engaging way.  They found that the vocabularies of these children increased 31% in two weeks.

As an educator who has seen first hand the benefits that technology can have on learning, I was not surprised by the findings of this study.  They support what I have experienced in the classroom.  I was, however, interested by the conversation that followed in the comments section.  Several people supported the use of this technology for young children

Commenters responded to the article by raising questions that I think are important to consider and address.


"So you've abrogated your responsibilty to personally teach your child about the world around him and life skills to an inanimate object?" (dennisl59)

Are we using iPods/iPads/iPhones to replace the teaching and interaction that should naturally occur between child and adult?  It's a question that many will ask of educators using iPods and iPads in the classroom.  As integrators of these technologies, it is important for us to share our philosophies and experiences to help others understand the benefits these tools can have in facilitating the learning of new skills.  It is also necessary to demonstrate that these technologies are not replacing the student/teacher interactions that happen naturally, easily, and often in the context of the classroom.  When used properly and most effectively, they become a supplemental tool that help reinforce the skills that the teacher has been teaching.  Yes, technology is one of the best tools we have in our teaching tool boxes but it is not the only tool.  

"When the electricity goes out and the batteries die what are you left with?"  Read an illustrated book. (dennisl59)

Are we replacing traditional illustrated picture books with ebooks?  Absolutely not!  Students in the classroom are exposed to many types of literature including picture books, chapter books, Moving Picture Books, audio books, read alouds, independent reading, Tumble Books (www.tumblebooks.com), and books read by actors sponsored by the Screen Actor's Guild Foundation (www.storylineonline.net).  Another commenter posted a reply to this question that I think addresses the feelings of many app users.  "I can imagine when paper was invented, someone might have said "What happens when the bookworms eat your book?" Use clay tablets. Who is suggesting only having electronic devices and no books?" (QuantumIguana)  I completely agree.  Improvements and change sometimes polarize people.  It is my feeling that as time passes and more information becomes available, people will be less scared about the changes that are happening in education and more likely to see the benefits that can occur through the use of technology.

What are your thoughts?  Do you have some of these questions?  How would you address them?