The technology kids want, versus what they need

Computers, cellphones, iPods: What do children require to thrive at school?

By Tom Regan | Columnist

from the August 29, 2007 edition

Page 1 of 2

Once upon a time, in the old days (about 10 to 15 years ago, or "prehistoric," as my kids jokingly call it), the only technology you needed for school was a calculator. And that was only if the teacher would allow you to use it. Many a science and math teacher believed a piece of scrap paper for working out a problem was a better teaching tool. But we live in a digital world now, and a student's technology needs have changed. How much depends on the age of the child and whom you ask – students or teachers.

For the early years, say kindergarten through fourth grade, you can get by with no technology at all. Even if you have a computer, it's a good idea to get children familiar with libraries. At this age, trips to the library are like family outings. My 8-year-old daughter, just starting third grade, would go the library every day if she could.

But as you get closer to middle school, a computer with Internet access becomes more of a necessity. Teachers will often give assignments that require a student to use the Internet for research.

Last year, for instance, my son's sixth-grade science teacher gave the class an assignment that required them to research their favorite college basketball team as part of an assignment to learn about the physics of the sport.

It's a task one could still do in "prehistoric" times, but with the Internet it took an evening, not a couple of days.

What kind of computer do you want, if you don't have one? I'd argue that middle- and high-schoolers can get by with a desktop computer at home. (College students fall into the laptop category. )

So, Mac or a PC? Macs are good machines, especially for younger students, with their more intuitive interface. But if money is a big issue, PCs are cheaper and more programs are written for PCs.

You can get a good computer for about $700. If you pay an extra $100 or so for more RAM, the computer will run faster. Think about broadband Internet access as well. DSL broadband (via phone line) tends to cost less than cable broadband (via the cable outlet). DSL runs about $30 a month, cable about $40, depending upon where you live and what deals are offered.

After a computer and Internet access, technology choices for students become more of a toss up – especially when it comes to cellphones.

Kids will beg their parents for a cellphone, especially in middle school (some of my oldest daughter's friends in fourth grade had cellphones). For many parents, it's a safety issue: They want to know that their kids can reach them (or vice versa) quickly if necessary.

Page 1 | 2 | Next Page