I think it is quite scary how far technology has come in such a short space of time, when I was at school (which wasn't all that long ago - well I don't think it was anyway) we didn't really have much in the way of technology, we had a couple of computers for all the pupils in the school to use but there certainly wasn't any electronic white boards, laptops or PCs in every class room. When I reached secondary school there were slightly more PCS and we had IT lessons so that we could be taught bits about using a computer, once I got to college all coursework was to be typed, to apply fro uni we had to submit our UCAS form all online and once I started my course all work during my degree which had to be marked had to be typed up too. So I think I was quite lucky that as technology progressed I did too. Matthew having worked in sales and having been an "expert" in store is also quite tech savvy and loves learning about new things, but some parents have obviously not had the chance.
I would like to think that both Matthew and I know more about technology than the boys especially with them being so young but you may be just as surprised as I was to hear that recent research reveals that almost 60% of primary school kids know more about technology than their mums. Dubbed ‘TIPs’ – Technologically Inept Parents – they are struggling to know their iPad from their Notebook or the difference between an MP3 and GPS.
The research made up of 2,000 parents and children shows that 73% of children would like a gadget for Christmas this year, which coincides with the launch of the new InnoTab 2 children’s tablet from VTech. Hamley’s, Argos and Tesco have all predicted tablets such as the InnoTab 2 will be one of their best sellers this Christmas, which is mirrored in the research and shows that almost a third (32%) of kids are planning to ask Santa for their own tablet this December. We have already had both Callum and Nathan ask for a tablet of their own after thay have seen my shiny new iPad. We were however very lucky to have been sent an InnoTab 2 to review earlier this month and you can read about our thoughts of it here.
To ensure parents are well equipped to deal with the array of technologically advanced Christmas presents this year, VTech has launched the VTech-nic University masterclass to help parents improve their technological know-how. Kirsty Gallacher, a self-confessed TIP, attended the masterclass and said “I’m not ashamed to admit that my sons know how to use my smartphone better than me. Technological advances are so fast moving it is hard to keep up so I found the VTech masterclass really helpful to give me a dummies guide to the hottest gadgets of this year. Luckily, the new VTech toys are so easy to use, whilst being educational so I had no trouble there, but I do think I might still need Oscar’s help with my laptop from time-to-time. At least if he has his own InnoTab 2 he won’t want to borrow my tablet. To view the VTech-nic University e-masterclass visit www.facebook.com/VTechToysUK
The other day the boys and I were watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory on TV, Callum asked me what it was like to go to school in the olden days and was my school just like Charlie Bucket's I quickly put him right about that one, I was slightly put out that he thought I went to school back in the 70's (when the film was made) when in fact it was the 90's and early 00's. He couldn't believe that we had blackboards that were written on in chalk rather than a white board with a pen. I guess the point I'm making is that technology to children today is common place and to them it has always been around. At the minute I know I definitely know more than the boys about technology but I'm sure there will come the day when I don't and I will need to ask them for help. Just like my dad does with me, he doesn't own a PC or smart phone and has no inclination to, he wouldn't know how to turn either of them on and if you gave him an iPad i think he would probably look at it in disgust and ask what the point of it is. But for him that works and has got by without needing technology, if he does need anything looking up on the internet or something printing out he asks me or my step sister to help.
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