Larry Magid: Finding Appropriate Technology For School Kids

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS) – As many kids in the Bay Area return to classrooms from summer vacation, schools are trying to figure out which type of platforms and technologies are appropriate for them.

More schools are employing tablets in classrooms, with some even using smartphones or media players like the iPod Touch. The devices have the ability to run apps, and there are thousands and thousands of educational apps that might be useful in the classroom.

A tablet makes a lot of sense for school kids because they are lighter and can easily fit into a backpack. Plus, they are less expensive than a laptop or desktop computer.

Many teachers are now making lesson plans that includes learning apps, encouraging the use of tablets or even smartphones in the classroom.

Despite the move towards digital, there are still concerns about the possibility of cheating, student's access to inappropriate content on their devices and the economic divide, as some students may not be able to afford the new technology.

You can hear Larry Magid's Tech Report Monday through Friday at 3:50pm on KCBS All News 740AM and 106.9FM.

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