US kindy kids get iPads

U.S. - A kindergarten in the state of Maine, US, is supplementing crayons, finger paints and flashcards with iPads - a development that excites supporters, but worries detractors as it is wasted on pupils too young to appreciate the expense.

Later this year, nearly 300 kindy pupils will get iPad2 touchpad tablets to learn the basics about ABCs, 1-2-3s, drawing and even music.

Superintendent Tom Morrill says, “The iPad is a powerful education tool with hundreds of teaching applications.

“With its touchpad screen, it’s simple to use and can bring learning to life with imagery and sounds. It’s a revolution in education,” he said.

US$200,000 will be spent on iPads, a proposal that worries some parents.
One parent said, “I understand you have to keep up with technology, but I think a five-year old is a little too young to understand.”

Larry Cuban, professor of education at Stanford University, said there is no proof that computers bring learning benefits to pupils that young.

“There’s no evidence in research literature that giving iPads to five-year-olds will improve their reading scores,” he said.

Peter Pizzolongo of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, said iPads can be an effective supplement to three-dimensional objects, whether they be books or building blocks.

“[When] the iPad or any other technological tool is used appropriately, then it’s a good thing for children’s learning,” he said.

– AP