Category: Tech

Droid Turbo–Super-Spy Hands-Free Controls
Me: “How now, brown cow? What’s my schedule this week?”
Droid Turbo (spoken): “Here are the events you requested. First up, you have a calendar event tomorrow at 4:10pm. The title is ‘Kids’ Dentist Appointments’.” [The phone’s screen displays my entire calendar for the week.]
Win a LeapFrog LeapTV Educational Gaming Console [Giveaway]
We recently had the pleasure of reviewing LeapFrog’s new educational gaming console for kids, LeapTV. It’s a hit in our house and would make a really special gift for some other lucky kids. Want to win one? Of course you do! (Please read the review to make sure it’s a good fit for the kids/family you have in mind).

LeapTV Gaming Console for Kids [Review]
Most of us with young kids are familiar with LeapFrog’s handheld educational gaming units. Maybe it’s a LeapPad, maybe a Leapster Explorer. Either way, the LeapFrog LeapTV console system was a bit of a surprise. In face, when they asked if I wanted to review out LeapTV, I don’t know what I expected. I did not bargain for a full-scale console system with sophisticated controllers and a camera that could detect input both with a controller and without. Wow!
Disney Originals and the Disney Infinity: Toy Box Starter Pack (2.0 Edition)
When Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) came out, we were all excited to play as our favorite super hero. My son, who is nine, prefers Rocket Raccoon, while my daughter prefers Spiderman. I like Nova. But we were still anxious to add some traditional Disney magic to our collection. We didn’t have to wait long – today marks the launch of 8 new Disney Infinity 2.0 Edition characters – dubbed “Disney Originals” – and the new Disney Infinity: Toy Box Starter Pack (2.0 Edition) for those who just really prefer Toy Box play over the Play Sets.
Apps and the Part-time Homeschooler
I have, on occasion, considered homeschooling. I believe that an education is most powerful when kids can learn by following their own interests, and also by putting their learning into use. I also think that our traditional classroom environments stifle kids’ creativity and their nature curiosity. But, for now, and for our family, the benefits of the public education system outweighs the benefits of switching. That doesn’t mean that I leave all of their learning for the classroom, though. We focus at home on topics that are lacking in their current school day. And using apps is a great way to integrate fun into the learning process, as well as to help with subjects that I either don’t know or don’t feel confident teaching alone.
I was asked awhile back to do a compensated campaign with Verizon Educational Tools, an app and subscription service that helps parents find quality apps and video to support and reinforce subjects, as well as to help with organization and time management. While this is not the only resource available to parents who are looking for great apps, it ties nicely in with the idea of using the technology you already have in the home to enhance your kids’ learning, especially if you, like me are a “part-time homeschooler.”

The Carnegie Science Center Drama, Girl Scouts, and Girls in STEM
Last week, there was a big brouhaha over a sign at the Carnegie Science Center that listed their scouting classes. After listing nine STEM-tastic activities for the boys (chemistry, engineering, astronomy, robotics), they list one class for the girls. And it’s called “Science with a Sparkle,” focusing on the science behind health and beauty products.
Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) (review)
My kids are more than a little obsessed with Disney Infinity. I don’t even know how many hours they have spent playing with it, but I do know that we have every single character (except the super-special Toys R Us editions – even I can’t justify buying two of everything). When they found out that I was reviewing Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) for Common Sense Media (and therefore here as well), they were beyond excited. I was excited, too. We are genuine fans of the game, and have been looking forward to all of the promised enhancements. I will say, having completed the included Play Set and spent some time building and exploring in the Toy Box, Disney Interactive definitely came through on their promises, but maybe dropped the ball in some other areas.
Grab the Goodies to Educate About Underage Alcohol Consumption (Review)
As part of the back to school season, I’m on the lookout for tech and tools to help families have a healthy and productive school year. When the Foundation for Advancing Alcohol Responsibility (FAAR) asked me to take a look at a new educational app designed to help kids ages 6-9 learn about the dangers of underage alcohol consumption, I knew it was a great match. It’s hard to know when and how to start talking to your kids about alcohol Grab the Goodies is meant to help you kick start the conversation and get kids thinking about making healthy choices.
Verizon Educational Tools & a Fun Twitter Party
It’s not easy finding educational apps for your kids. The app stores are chock-full of choices, but which ones are quality? Which ones aren’t? Verizon set out to help its customers make choices with Verizon Educational Tools. The app includes reviews on a wide range of educational app and video options, as rated by educators an parents. They are broken down by grade, subject, and Common Core standards. There are also special offers and discounts for Verizon customers.
Merida and Maleficent to Join Marvel Heroes in Disney Infinity 2.0
So I slacked off with the announcement of Disney Infinity: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition). Disney Infinity is the most played video game in our house, largely due to the creativity allowed in the Toy Box Mode. They love working together to create new worlds and experiences.
Archives
- December 2022
- November 2022
- December 2018
- October 2018
- June 2018
- April 2018
- November 2017
- October 2017
- August 2017
- June 2017
- May 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017
- December 2016
- November 2016
- September 2016
- June 2016
- March 2016
- January 2016
- December 2015
- November 2015
- October 2015
- September 2015
- August 2015
- June 2015
- May 2015
- April 2015
- March 2015
- February 2015
- January 2015
- December 2014
- November 2014
- October 2014
- September 2014
- August 2014
- July 2014
- June 2014
- May 2014
- April 2014
- March 2014
- February 2014
- January 2014
- December 2013
- November 2013
- October 2013
- September 2013
- August 2013
- July 2013
- June 2013
- May 2013
- April 2013
- March 2013
- February 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- October 2012
- September 2012
- August 2012
- July 2012
- June 2012
- May 2012
- April 2012
- March 2012
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
- April 2009
- March 2009
- February 2009
- January 2009
Calendar
M | T | W | T | F | S | S |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | |||||
3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 |
10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 |
17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 |
24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 |