Teachers. Technology. Transformation.

Christmas morning this year was quite an experience. In addition to the enjoyment of having a 3-year old who was too excited to look at what he had just opened because there were other wrapped presents just waiting to be uncovered, and a 6-month old who just wanted to chew on the discarded wrappings, Daddy, for the first time, had to take one of the toys online.

Now I remember getting a Mattel hand-held basketball game many years ago (sometime around 1978) as a present, and at the time that was hot technology. Pushing four directional buttons to outwit the flashing dots of lights that were defending the basket from my outside jump-shot was so cool! I remember playing it over and over and over, trying to beat my best score. I wonder if I still have that around somewhere in a box... Anyway, the flashing lights and beeps of the game are still fond memories for me but they pale in comparison to what can be done today.

Jump 30 years to 2009 and enter the latest toy from LeapFrog. Just read the description from the web site:

Give learning a personal touch with this soft, cuddly green puppy named Scout! Scout connects to the computer so you can customize the music and personalize the learning with your child's name and favorite food, animal and color. Scout comes with 5 pre-loaded songs, or you can select and download your choice of learning tunes and lullabies from an online list of 30 songs.* Press a paw to play music, learning songs or games! Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning.

*Internet connection required to personalize Scout with your child's name and favorite items or to change songs.

Needless to say, I grabbed the toy and the USB cable that was packed with it and jumped online. After creating an account, I was able to find the configuration page for Scout and picked my youngest son's name, set the favorite animal to dog, and chose pears as his favorite food. Now, does anyone really think that he is capable of understanding any of this at 6 months? Definitely more for the parents and big brother at this time, but I can see where this is going. Not long from now he will be helping me login to change his preferences in pets, food, and music, and later he will be asking to play the interactive games that can be accessed through the manufacturer's web site.

Writing about this experience makes me feel both sentimental and excited. I do remember how much fun I had with that simple game and I still wish it was around. I am also excited to think about what the world will be like for my boys in 30 years. Perhaps the digital experience of this holiday season was but a taste of what is to come. I am looking forward to it!

Related posts:

1. “Daddy, sit. Watch!”
2. Digital Media Use Rises
3. Are You a Master Learner?