Apple has changed computing forever.
I’m at my in-laws for this Eid this year and the first thing I notice in a room full of grand kids is that the ratio of iPad to children is almost 1:1. We are looking at the iPad generation growing right in front of us. Is that a good thing? Yes and No.
The advantages of an iPad as an educational tool are almost limitless. Stories and books come alive and allow much a much more interactive experience for kids than the boring black and white papers on which I grew on. For get young kids- even college students are having their text books converted to the iPad which will make it so much easier for them to carry their bags.
The most fascinating thing about the iPad is how easy it is to use. I remember people wanting to attend computer classes to learn how to use PCs but give them an iPad and you have them zipping through them in no time. Maybe thats why kids love it- it just comes to you naturally.
Other than the educational use, the iPad is also an extremely entertaining and media-centric device. My kids love playing Cut the Rope or Angry Birds on it along streaming their cartoons from our home network. There are plenty of other apps available for it that can keep them occupied during a long car journey.
The downside is that whatever time is spent on the iPad is not spent on running around or other physical activity. But then, my wife and I make sure that their iPad time is restricted to an hour or so per day. Just like we restrict other activities.
Like the iPhone changed the Smartphone market, the iPad will change the computing platform. It might be a bit restrictive for the tech savvy user at the moment, but remember, the initial iPhone didn’t allow you to add any applications other than what was built-in. When these kids grow up, they won’t settle for something as primitive as a keyboard and mouse.
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