It is my belief that technology has become more prominent in todays society. Not just in the home, office or business but more importantly effecting our children and their education. Many children are being influenced by technology, however is this a positive or negative effect?
In my opinion technology is extremely important however technology is taking over and causing children to lack social skills and have poor communication.

The article I read discussed how studies have been conducted and results have shown that children under 2 should have little to no screen time. However, this study has not specifically been conducted using an interactive screen, such as an iPad. Several apps have been created to aid in the development of hand-eye coordination and speech development, but nothing can truly replace human or parent interaction with children.

As someone who works in childcare, I see it very often that children under age 5 have their own iPads or iPods. I believe it is great that parents are trying to enhance their child's education, but there is so much more children can access on these devices. Without the proper restrictions and limits children can become exposed to way more than they should be at a given age. Not only is expose an issue, but the lack of exposure to socialization. By giving children an iPad you are giving them a screen, which is no replacement for a person. Children are lacking the social skills needed just to carry on an everyday conversation.

So what do you think? Should a young child have their own iPad?

The app I chose to review is called 8tracks. This app is similar to Pandora, because it is an app that allows you to listen to music for free. The app is a free app; all you have to do is create an account. When you open the app you are given different themes to choose from. Once you choose a theme it will then it will take you to the next page where you choose a second theme that will further define your search for the perfect playlist.  The playlists are created by users for others to listen to.

       This app has several positive and negative features. A main positive of this app is that you get to listen to new music and great playlists that people make. Another positive is that there are endless users that create playlists, so there is always something new to listen to. A negative of the app is that you can’t hit the back button to start a song over, or to listen to it again. Another negative is that once you listen to a playlist you can’t listen to it again until a few hours later.

       Overall I give this app two thumbs-up. This app has so many different playlists it doesn’t ever get old. Also because there is such a variety of music available through different users.

Happy listening!