Ipads are the newest tools for some preschoolers

This article discussed how ipads are becoming present more and more in the early childhood grades.  It pointed out many districts that have purchased classroom ipad sets and have begun to do studies on how the students progress academically when using them.  This article was written in 2011, so I'd be very interested to see the results of this study.  The article also discussed how ipads will not take away the importance of paper/pencil or hands on learning.  This is an important point to make because many of our youngest children learn best by manipulating items in their hands rather than taking a finger across an ipad to solve a problem.  There was a comment about how OT/PT professionals are seeing ipads help with handwriting and fine motor skills.  I agree completely with this, as I have a student this year who had become so frustrated with writing time because of his poor motor skills.  Now after practicing handwriting games on the ipad, he has a renewed sense of confidence in himself and writes great stories that I always knew he had in his brain but could never get onto paper.  I think the article did a nice job of explaining how valuable the technology we have is, but also to be cautious about only using ipads and other devices to teach with.  Teachers are still very important and hands on learning will always be one of the best ways to learn.  I hope teachers can find a way to incorporate technology into their teaching in order to engage students, but also remember to include social skills building and other modes of learning as well.