Banning Technology

I've seen a few things going around lately about banning technology from kids, for all kinds of fearful, hyped up reasons. I just wanted to share a few of the neat things technology has allowed in our lives lately. Last night, my kids got to play a video game with their uncle who lives 2 states away. They do this every few weeks, and it's really neat, because they probably wouldn't know him otherwise. Just talking on the phone can be awkward between a single guy and little kids, but having the video game to connect over meant at least an hour of conversation.
Also, my mom and my aunt are on a trip through Italy right now. The kids and I are able to "follow" them with google earth. Starting from the San Fransisco airport, tracking their path to Germany and then Italy, seeing the B&B where they are staying, the art museum the visited, the walk they went on, etc. has all been really neat. Plus when my kids ask a question I don't know the answer to, I'm able to pull up pictures, videos and answers in 2 minutes flat.
L loves coloring in pictures on an app on the phone and then being able to play it back, so I can see the process she used. We can play board games on free apps without the expense of buying them or the mess of cleaning them up. They can stay connected with family by writing emails back and forth. All of my kids have favorite tv shows and video games that bring laughter, questions, conversations, and a way to unwind into our home.
Could we survive without technology? Well, based on the fact that E played outside with friends for, literally, at least 8 hours today and L and Z did the same for at least 4... yes, I think we'd manage. But I can't imagine why would I want to take away these amazing modern resources for learning, connecting with people, and entertainment.

If You Give a Mouse A Cookie....

I love these books! We just discovered them last week. They remind me of unschooling.

Here's my version based on the last few days:

If you give a girl a computer
She'll want to watch a show
So, you'll find her a show about horses
When she sees the horses
She'll want to ride one
So, you'll find her a horse to ride
She'll like riding the horse so much
That she'll want to do it all the time
So, she'll go home and sit on the couch
And ride her horse
Then she'll need some reins
So, she'll find a cell phone charger
And she'll need a saddle
So, you'll give her a blanket
And she'll need a helmet
So, she'll find her hat
She'll have so much fun riding
that she'll want you to join her
So, you'll ride her horse too
And you'll both go to the barn with the horse
And the horse will be tired and hurt
So, she'll make the horse better
But she'll need some medicine for the horse
So, you'll get her a water bottle and bandages
And while she's fixing up her horse
She'll see her Go Fish Cards
And she'll ask you to play with her
So, you'll play Go Fish
And when she sees the fish
She'll want to count them
So, you'll count together
Counting will remind her of
Counting the horse's dressage steps on her horse show
And chances are, when she thinks about her horse show
She'll want to use the computer