I just bought my husband an iPhone for his birthday - it was time for an upgrade. Part of me is of course excited for the communication capabilities it provides, while the other part of me is completely curious about the Montessori Apps I've been hearing more and more about. I was testing one out within an hour of the phone being in his possesion - it seems I'm still formulating my opinions on the use of these apps.
One of the founding principles of the Montessori method is the tactile, hands-on learning which is intrinsic to the very nature of each lesson and piece of material. How can an app ever allow a child to feel the length of each of the Red Rods, or the heaviness of the largest Brown Stair Prism? What about the roughness of a Sandpaper Number? Where does Montessori's notion of movement within lessons come into play with an app? The answer - No, they can't allow a child to feel the length, heaviness, or roughness, and the child's learning through movement is completely lost. These apps simply cannot (and should not) replace the multi-faceted, integrated learning which occurs in a true Montessori setting. One cannot ignore, however, the impact of current technology in the lives of our children and students.
Just for fun and curiosity, I downloaded Montessorium's Intro to Math app and gave it a test. I was intrigued by the games, appreciated the simple graphics, and was drawn in by the "lessons." Was it simply the novelty of my experience with the app or did I genuinely like what was happening? All I know is that it was fun - my kids gathered around me, watching with smiles at a new rendition of Number Rods and Cards and Counters.
I also visited the Mobile Montessori site, another company producing downloadable apps. Here, I was impressed by the depth of available lessons in the areas of Science and Geography. The app for learning the Flags of the World looked particularly inviting and remains something I will be sure to explore on my own as I look for ways to incorporate the actual material (a set of the Flags of the World) into my classroom Geography shelves. While I did not download from this site, I also acknowledged the fact that this would be a fun way for kids to learn locations and capitols, among other features, of countries and states.
Having said this, I still hold fast to my belief that these apps should be reserved only for the older child after plenty of first hand experience with the actual Montessori learning material - perhaps as extensions of the extensions... I am not convinced that I should ever use apps in my classroom. I feel strongly that my students will learn infinitely better when they can actually feel the sandpaper, hold the Red Rods, and lay out the Cards and Counters themselves. There may come a time, however, when it might be a meaningful activity for an (older) child to explore these apps to enhance and extend their prior learning.
What are your experiences, thoughts, ideas on Montessori apps? I'd enjoy hearing your opinions!
One of the founding principles of the Montessori method is the tactile, hands-on learning which is intrinsic to the very nature of each lesson and piece of material. How can an app ever allow a child to feel the length of each of the Red Rods, or the heaviness of the largest Brown Stair Prism? What about the roughness of a Sandpaper Number? Where does Montessori's notion of movement within lessons come into play with an app? The answer - No, they can't allow a child to feel the length, heaviness, or roughness, and the child's learning through movement is completely lost. These apps simply cannot (and should not) replace the multi-faceted, integrated learning which occurs in a true Montessori setting. One cannot ignore, however, the impact of current technology in the lives of our children and students.
Just for fun and curiosity, I downloaded Montessorium's Intro to Math app and gave it a test. I was intrigued by the games, appreciated the simple graphics, and was drawn in by the "lessons." Was it simply the novelty of my experience with the app or did I genuinely like what was happening? All I know is that it was fun - my kids gathered around me, watching with smiles at a new rendition of Number Rods and Cards and Counters.
I also visited the Mobile Montessori site, another company producing downloadable apps. Here, I was impressed by the depth of available lessons in the areas of Science and Geography. The app for learning the Flags of the World looked particularly inviting and remains something I will be sure to explore on my own as I look for ways to incorporate the actual material (a set of the Flags of the World) into my classroom Geography shelves. While I did not download from this site, I also acknowledged the fact that this would be a fun way for kids to learn locations and capitols, among other features, of countries and states.
Having said this, I still hold fast to my belief that these apps should be reserved only for the older child after plenty of first hand experience with the actual Montessori learning material - perhaps as extensions of the extensions... I am not convinced that I should ever use apps in my classroom. I feel strongly that my students will learn infinitely better when they can actually feel the sandpaper, hold the Red Rods, and lay out the Cards and Counters themselves. There may come a time, however, when it might be a meaningful activity for an (older) child to explore these apps to enhance and extend their prior learning.
What are your experiences, thoughts, ideas on Montessori apps? I'd enjoy hearing your opinions!
Hi Sasha, actualy I realy don't believe on this kind of thing exactly for the reasons you said, this materiel have been made for children to feel, to touch it and to hold it to get sensation and feeling. I realy believe that TV and computer break or at least minimize the imagination of children and we all know that imagination is so important for a child so for me it is NO! As you say why not when they are older and that they had already a contact for a longgggg time with the material.
ReplyDeleteYes, very looong time with the materials! Thanks for sharing your thoughts - it's good to know I'm not alone in my thinking... :)
DeleteThanks,
Sasha
We were just dicussing this very issue today! Everyone who works at my school came to the same conclusion...not suitable for children who have not mastered the actual materials. So interesting to find the exact same conversation we had on your blog!
ReplyDeleteHi Abby Jo,
DeleteI'm really happy to hear of the relevance of this issue in classroom/schools happening "as we speak." I think most Montessori teachers will recognize the priority of first-hand experience with the materials - my concern would for those who do not recognize the importance of it and let their children use these apps instead... or parents who might think it is enhancing their child's Montessori experience. It might be worth the mention during Parent Education meetings/events...
Thanks for your thoughts,
Sasha
Dear Sasha and all previous posters,
ReplyDeleteI agree with what you are saying in your posts about Montessori apps and young children.
I have been a Montessori teacher for the last 20 years.
I would have to agree with you, that electronic devices are not the ideal medium for young children. The flat screen gives does not lend to living in a three-dimensional world. Children ideally need to use all five of their senses with three-dimensional materials for learning.
The other downside of these devices is that they can interfere with melatonin and sleep cycles if used near bedtime.
Another caution is to never use an iPad while it is charging as it can expose you to electromagnetic radiation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLOx1kWCWoc
Being aware of all of this, my stance was and still is, "as long as this technology as out there and people are using it, there should be good quality apps available, that follow Montessori theory."
When I was first looking at the educational quality of apps on iPhones and iPads I became really frustrated. Most everything I saw used outdated educational paradigms and in my mind were actually, "insulting to the intelligence of the child," to borrow a line from one of my Montessori mentors.
Instead of just complaining and being upset with that, I created and put on the on the iTunes store about 20 free Montessori apps. I have not labeled these apps as "Montessori," even though they have Montessori theory built into them.
That way, for those who choose to use this technology, at least they have some good choices of educational apps available.
The bottom line for me is that Montessori apps could be used for short periods of time periodically, but are no substitute for a good Montessori education. I, further, believe that computers and electronic devices are definitely better for children who are 6 or older
Thank you for your thoughtful input, Richard. I also appreciate the link to the video you provided. I would be interested in seeing the apps you have created - where can I find them on iTunes?
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Sasha
Hi Sasha,
ReplyDeleteYou can type in Preschool University into the iTunes store or use this link
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/preschool-university/id404048727
I chose to focus mainly on language, as it that is where I saw the greatest amount of problems in the educational apps. Most app developers seem to do a good enough job with math, but really tend to do a poor job with language, with the usual errors of teaching capital letters first, teaching the names of the letters instead of the sounds and in general too much noise/distraction and the loss of the isolation of difficulty.
I originally came upon your site when one of my friends asked if I knew of any additional Montessori apps besides mine. I did a Google search and came upon your blog.
I have been enjoying exploring your blog and reading the posts that you have here. Add me to the list of people who appreciate what you are doing.
Thank you,
Richard
Thank you, Richard for your kind words. I'm glad your search has lead you to my blog and you are enjoying it. I look forward to exploring Preschool University and the apps you have thoughtfully created.
ReplyDeleteThanks again,
Sasha