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Dublin’s first iPad Montessori class
Posted by SchoolDays Newshound on 21/08/2012. Tags: Parenting
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Little Rainbow’s Crèche in Donaghamede announced today that is has opened Dublin’s first iPad Montessori class. The aim of the class is to combine the traditional Montessori class with the latest educational benefits the iPad can offer. The daily class, which is open to children from three years to five year, aims to see the children work on the latest Junior iPad tablets with a suite of apps dedicated to early learning and with particular emphases on Montessori-based teaching methods. Commenting on the new addition to the Montessori, Monica Campbell, owner of Little Rainbow’s Crèche and a qualified Montessori teacher, said: “We believe that using technology and innovation to facilitate learning is a real step forward. Technology plays an integral role in modern life and will feature greatly in the future of these children. At Little Rainbows, we are of the view that it is never too early to introduce digital technology into your child’s educational life. We believe that the Montessori way of teaching lends itself to incorporating such digital media devices. As a result, we intend that these devices can be used in a measured way to enhance your child’s learning experience, and we are proud to be a first mover in this area.”
xAngel
(26-08-2012 16:33)
When I was younger, we were discouraged from using computers and things like that and told to go out and play. I don't see why a montessori should use technology. Aren't the kids better off playing with toys and with each other? They get plenty of exposure to technology anyway. Just my thoughts..
kmt
(05-09-2012 13:50)
Hopefully they use the iPads without WiFi, in airplane mode and without the bluetooth or WiFi signal enabled. If not they must be unaware of the health issues. Unfortunately many parents and other schools aren't either and it's not their fault. The information is not curretly distributed by those that should. This information is readily available. If there are aps to measure radiation on these devices and covers to reduce radiaiton emitted from these devices it says to me I need to consider the risks. I would not recommend them for children. No exposure is best. The Irish Doctors Environment Association contributed to the Safe Schools Report 2012. It's worth reading to be aware. tp://wifiinschools.org.uk/23.html
Monica Campbell
(28-08-2012 17:58)
Hi, as the Montessori teacher involved with Little Rainbows Creche in Donaghmede we recognise that kids have access to their parent's smartphones and iPads but we feel that the children mistakenly see these devices as playthings and for entertainment only. In our Montessori class we are trying to use iPads as an educational tool in an attempt to change the child's perception of this technology. The use of the iPad will be structured and supervised and used as an extension of the traditional Montessori curriculum. There will be no free-time or unsupervised use of the iPads and children will still play with their usual toys both inside and in our secure garden.
Mary O Donoughe
(29-08-2012 16:01)
I thought Montessori teaching was based on a tactile educational experience for children. Can't see how iPads would enhance that. Is this just a marketing ploy?? How is this financed?