THIS is disturbing:
“Alexa in the Classroom? Amazon’s Voice Assistant Leads Kids’ Story Time.”
Take a moment and look at the article. Story Time is WAAAAAAAY more than a voice. It is the interaction between story teller and child. It is the facial expressions, the eye contact, the recognition that a child was sparked by something said, or is fidgeting, or looks worried.
Where is the compassion, the connection, the warmth and interest and wonderful exchange between teller and listener?
Teaching any lesson, in school or at home that includes an attentive and engaged adult really listening to and watching the children involved is essential for real learning. How can having a screen and voice be seen as a better way for children to learn in school? As ANY way to learn in school beyond an occasional event?
Yes, we listen to voices on radio shows and audio books. Yet consider the difference–no screen, for one–we are LISTENING with our ears, rather than staring at a screen. These listening times are done in a more casual setting, with interaction and exchanges happening between listeners. It is a once in a while event, sometimes with radio shows it is an eagerly anticipated one that includes good company, food, lively conversation.
Sometimes with audio books we are all actively listening and enjoying together, smiling, nodding, connecting in quiet ways…and then when its over we all talk about all that we heard and understood. Real learning. Sometimes we listen all by ourselves, lost in our own thoughts.
Not so with Alexa in school or at home giving lessons and telling stories.
It is yet another round of screen time–minus the warmth of a human being actively engaged–asking kids to sit and listen and participate by answering questions while staring at a screen.
What are we LOSING if we start turning to Alexa for our children to get their lessons and hear stories–whether at home or in school?
What are we DOING with even more screens in front of our children?
We know better. We KNOW how children learn, how relationships are built, what our brains need to grow and be healthy.
I find this to be incredibly concerning.
I hope you do, too. Let Amazon know what you think. Let your schools know what you think. Keep story telling human.
With real concern,
Alice
Author and Parent Coach
www.denaliparentcoaching.com