Children are dynamic, rapidly changing and full of curiosity. Some hit developmental milestones early while others may see milestones as vague suggestions, getting to them in their own time. Especially now, in the age of technology, parents have the opportunity to use new tools to help their children learn, grow and hit each milestone successfully. And, with smartphones and tablets, parents can carry educational games, puzzles and lessons with them everywhere. Here are just a few reasons why you should invest in educational tablets:

Growing Platform

Nearly half of American children use tablets on a regular basis, according to a 2013 study conducted by Common Sense Media. This is five times more than the previous year, and the amount of time spent on the devices has tripled. The study also claims that media platforms have delivered educational content to children for a long time to help them prepare for school, address educational inequality and cover specific learning areas. Television shows are still the largest platform for educational content, but mobile devices have quickly caught up to computers and passed many other platforms.

Age Scalability

The type of tablet you purchase can grow with your child’s needs and education level. An article in the Journal of Research on Technology in Education reports the findings of researchers who videotaped children from the ages of 3 to 6 as they used tablets. The study shows that the amount of time and engagement with the device increased with age and that the manner in which parents and teachers implemented the session mediated the engagement. This shows that the educational games need to become more challenging as the child ages and that the presentation will affect his or her enjoyment. For example, if your child is younger than five, you can start with drawing games that will hold his or her attention longer. Or, if your child is older, consider puzzle, reading or math games that will be more stimulating.

Types of Tablets

When you are looking to buy a tablet, you can either go for a regular tablet like those offered by Apple and Samsung or a tablet specially designed for children like the Leap Frog products. The benefit of investing in a tablet like the iPad Air is that it can be used by people of all ages. This means that you can use it as the parent and it can grow with your child as you download age-appropriate apps. The Leap Frog products also are a good choice because they are age appropriate and are sturdy enough to handle any drops by your child. They also have a variety of educational games in them.

Educational Apps

With so many apps available, it can be hard to know where to start. Parents Magazine puts out a list of the best educational apps annually that range from learning the alphabet to animals to vocabulary to shapes and more. When you are looking through the App Store or Google Play, look for games that are both age appropriate and scalable so that they will last a long time. And, for the best educational benefit, switch out the games often so your child continues to develop and be entertained.

Just as every person is unique, the symptoms of brain injury may vary from one person to the next.  Common cognitive challenges, however, include memory and attention issues, difficulty with step-by-step tasks, wayfinding and stress management.

Tony Gentry, PhD, OTR/L has treated clients with brain injuries for over 20 years and now directs VCU’s Assistive Technology for Cognition Laboratory, where he has conducted a series of studies on the use of mobile devices as cognitive aids.

Tony has found that reminder alerts on mobile devices can compensate for memory deficits after brain injury, helping people manage everyday tasks that they might otherwise forget.  Tony says, “Nobody likes to be nagged. So when we begin, I ask a person, ‘What are the top 4 or 5 things that people nag you about the most?’  It might be something as routine as brushing your teeth or remembering to take medicine. Then we program the device to do the nagging, which reduces the need for supervision.”

Tony has learned that individuals who have trouble completing multi-step tasks can benefit from step-by-step lists or picture-sequence supports, both of which are available on mobile devices.  Free apps like Muzio and Snapguide allow you to build talking slide shows or instructional videos directly on your mobile device.  Other uses of mobile video include behavioral coaching and wayfinding. For an example, see this video designed for one of Tony’s classes by a VCU Occupational Therapy student team.

Many people with brain injury face daily anxiety and stress.  Tony explains, “Apps that offer instruction in deep breathing or relaxation can help. Sometimes music, puzzle or game apps offer welcome distractions from worry.  If a person with a brain injury is at risk of wandering, it is important to use a GPS-based person-tracking app, such as Find my iPhone or Family Tracker to help caregivers find her/him, if they get lost.”

For school, finance management and organizational work tasks, a host of apps are available.  The same is true of healthy living apps that address fitness, sleep and diet.  The biggest challenge, Tony feels, is keeping up with all the available tools and selecting the best suite of apps for each particular client.  He cautions against using too many apps.  In his research, most clients rely on only 3 or 4 apps – typically a reminder, a task-sequencing list, a task management video or two, and a relaxation app.  This gets the job done without the risk of overwhelming or confusing a person with too many choices.  He starts with reminders, and as a person becomes competent in their use, adds an additional support one at a time.

Tony says, “There is a growing body of research evidence showing that mobile devices help people with cognitive-behavioral challenges function more independently.  Best of all, these devices are portable, relatively inexpensive, and – because they are so popular with the general public — they are not stigmatizing.”  He cautions that it is important to work with a clinician who understands brain injury and the devices themselves, one who can follow a step-by-step assessment, intervention and follow-along approach to ensure success.  Without that, a device that may have been life-changing can end up gathering dust in a drawer.

Tony Gentry, PhD OTR/L is an associate professor in the occupational therapy department at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he directs the Assistive Technology for Cognition Laboratory, which conducts research in the development and utilization of smart homes, mobile applications, and sensor-based telehealth strategies to support individuals with cognitive-behavioral challenges.