RUMOR: THE APPLE IPAD 2 IS COMING TO TOYS "R" US, THAT'S GREAT, BUT WILL CHILDREN REALLY LEARN?

Toys "R" Us will soon be selling iPads alongside G.I. Joes, PlayStation games, and Legos. And did you know? One in five U.S. teens owns a tablet PC (which basically means an iPad). iPads: Apple's doin' it for the kids.

An attendee of a Toys "R" Us employee trainee session has leaked out a photo of training materials that are being shared with staff so that they're equipped to answer questions about everything iPad-related. This is more or less proof-positive that Apple's wondertablet will soon be appearing at Toys "R" Us stores across the nation in addition to its availability online, in phone stores, Apple stores, and venues like Best Buy. It also hints that Apple is finally getting on top of its supply-chain shortages for the iPad 2--and that the Japanese earthquake hasn't affected supply too badly.

It makes tremendous sense for Apple to sell iPads alongside Barbies and board games. Toys "R" Us already sells computing devices like Playstations and Nintendo's DS games console range--the iPad is seeing increasing use as a powerful games console, so it basically fits right in. Plus there's this new data to think about from Piper Jaffray that quantifies how many souls across the U.S. have bought a tablet PC. In its survey of 4,500 school kids, the analyst firm discovered that 22% of teens have a tablet PC already, and 20% more plan to buy one inside the next six months. Since Apple's basically snagged the lion's share of the tablet market (actually more like two or three lions' shares, if sales data for the Motorola Xoom are anything to go by), this means around one in five U.S. teenagers already owns an iPad.

 

And we know what teenagers are like: While they struggle and fight with their parents about establishing their individuality, if there's a vogue among their pals for playing with iPads, then they'll all want one. And what parent wouldn't be tempted to buy one for their kids, half thinking about the "educational benefit," half thinking about using it themselves sometimes, and being prepared to hand out $3 to $5 dollars every now and again for a new game, compared to $20 to $60 for a PlayStation game?

Apple's savvy about getting 'em young--and hoping they'll be fans of Cupertino-made gear for life.

COMMENTARY:   I am still concerned that kids will become too dependent on computers and tablets like the iPad to learn.   This raises a lot of questions which some parents addressed previously.

• Poorer families will be unable to afford an iPad, placing their children at distinct disadvantage versus children of more affluent parents.
• Not all familes have homes equipped with WIFI.
• What is the right age to introduce a young child to an iPad?
• Will parents use the the iPad primarily for education or entertainment or both?
• Will the iPad replace the TV as the children's "babysitter"?
• How will the iPad affect a child's cognitive learning skills and ability to solve problems?
• Will children become so attached to their iPad that their social development will suffer?
• Will children use the iPad to surf the internet, and are their parental controls?
• Will the iPad become a "crutch" for real book learning?

The above are serious concerns that several parents have voiced to me, and that Steve Jobs, in his ever ending quest to make the iPad the tablet of choice, may not have thought about.  

As a parent, I would rather spend $500 on real textbooks that develops the "complete child" with the ability to think and solve problems.  My main concern is that children will start using the iPad to play games, surf the internet and watch videos, while their real education suffers.    

What do you think?

Courtesy of an article dated April 7, 2011 appearing in Fast Company

By TwitterButtons.com  

 

 

Comments

[Double Glazing]

That kid is very skilled. He can easily pick up things. They must be so proud to have a son like that. Tablets can really help kids to learn in a fast and enjoyable way.

[Playmobil]

That's really cool! Seeing little ones using hi-tech gadgets. They are better learners than the old ones. I'm afraid that they would lost interesting in traditional games and grow without knowing any other physical games.

[playmobil]

Oh, I am so touched with the video. I know that all readers like it too. Thank you for posting!

[fancy dress]

I'm very amazed to the children who knows how to use a gadgets. And even the oldies can amazed me when they are using the new technology.

[party bags]

Very cute. Nice to see pics of kids who are enjoying. Apple ipad is great.

[plumbing]

While nobody was looking, iPad became a universally understood part of children's culture. And hundreds of companies have responded by creating child-specific apps, which makes the device even more compelling to kids.

[Tommy]

double Glazing, the jury is still out on the ipad as an effective teaching tool. the teachers i have spoken with are concerned that kids will use the magical device to surf the net and play games, while this cuts into their studies. the other issues are socio-economic. only more upscale parents can afford the magical device. we are creating to classes of kids, the haves and the have-nots. where's the level playing field. i say let's wait and see before we judge the ipad as the solution to our educational problems.

[Double Glazing]

Absolutely yes,There's a lot of application in an ipad that within a touch.As technology rules our way of living you can find interesting apps that will enhance your child skills like playing a piano or guitar in an ipad.

[plumbing]

Choosing an iPad or an iPad 2, rather, should be easy. There are really only two factors to consider. First, you need to decide if you will want to use your iPad when there is no Wi-Fi connection available. Then you need to decide on the storage capacity.

[Tommy]

tyranid, I am not disputing that young children can easily learn how to use an iPad. I am worried they will use the iPad for fun and entertainment rather than actual learning. This is not only my concern, but that of teachers.

[tyranid]

Now a days, gadgets is just a piece of cake for kids. They could operate and learn how to use it easily. Kids have a good knowledge when it comes to hi-tech gadgets.