Value Bookshop's Reading Notes

Christmas is coming and the question “what to get my children?” is in the air. Some parents choose to get hi-tech toys with the believe that it’s not only entertaining but educational as well. But according to this article, hi-tech toys offer no educational gain! This statement, of course, is based on a government funded research. I’m glad to hear that the “traditional” way of teaching ABCs and 123s are still more effective than these gadgets. It still proves that getting a good education at an early age doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Also, that it is ok to keep it simple and not necessary to load up on flashy equipment.

No doubt, looking at these hi-tech toys, you cannot help feeling impressed that they have some educational value. Afterall, they are interactive, is visually attractive and makes lots of sounds that children like. That’s what the manufacturers and toy retailers drill into you anyway. But before you reach into your pocket, just remember what Prof. Lydia Plowman from Stirling University says in the article: that these educational toys do no harm but are not ‘particularly beneficial’ either. So don’t buy these toys with the hope its going to help you create a little genius at home. They are entertaining no doubt, but even then, toys do get forgotten after a while don’t you agree?

Bottom line is, parents still need to take an active role in teaching their children. Gadgets are for fun but they cannot replace human interaction. I like the last sentence in that article: “Almost all the families reported that their children listed going to the park as a favourite activity, while some did not list technology as a favourite at all.”