I love having technology available to enhance the kid’s learning experience. We use iPads for school, and there’s some really amazing apps out there (sometime I’ll have to show you our favorites). However, there are times when it’s appropriate to give technology the boot.
Last week, I gave Joshua his spelling and vocabulary words for the week and told him that he must look each word up in the dictionary. He protested. “Can’t I just google it?” Doesn’t he know that google isn’t even in the dictionary? No, of course not. He’s a child of the technology age, and in his mind, “google it” equals dictionary. I do like the ease of google but there’s something beautiful about opening a book full of words and actually looking up the meaning.
During his assignment he said, “This is so old school.” Yes, maybe it is, my son, but old school isn’t a bad thing. I rather like embracing old school every once in a while.
When was the last time you used a real dictionary (as opposed to an online one)?
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Elisa | blissfulE
May 22, 2013 at 12:23 pmYesterday! Nikki was writing a letter to her Compassion child and she wanted to double-check the spelling of the word "useful." I thought it looked right, but when questioned I couldn't be absolutely sure, so we looked it up, and yes it was right. 🙂
Anonymous
May 22, 2013 at 6:49 pmI can definately relate, my oldest says the same sometimes! 🙂
Jennifer {Studio JRU}
May 22, 2013 at 11:24 pmlol… old school! 🙂 i actually grab a dictionary every once in a while still!
Zion
May 23, 2013 at 1:44 amI'm with ya! I rarely use a real dictionary except for playing scrabble or something, but I do have a big hard back ASL dictionary that I use more frequently. I think it's important for kids to learn the beauty of paper and words in print.
Karen @ Pieces of Contentment
May 23, 2013 at 9:31 amQuite recently, but I know exactly what you mean, at least we still make it to the town library regularly. Between google and spell check, and everything online, learning is if very different today. Our children use lots of technology as we homeschool, more than in most classrooms.
MaryAnne
May 23, 2013 at 12:49 pmA few weeks ago? I don't think electronics will ever completely replace books – both media have benefits and drawbacks.
Tanna
May 24, 2013 at 4:07 pmI'm chuckling at this one, Jen. I use my Old School Webster's all the time. LOL! I think I'm telling my age. blessings ~ tanna