Leading Hands Through Technology

Are you looking for free games, videos and books for your kids? Have you checked out Funbrain? The site was created for kids in grades Pre-K through 8 and has been the top site in free educational games for kids since 1997. It offers hundreds of games, books, comics, and videos that develop skills in math, reading, problem-solving and literacy. The site to provides a fun and safe experience and does not collect personally identifiable information from kids. You can sort games, videos and books by grade level, popularity or type of content. Have fun and start exploring today.

https://www.funbrain.com/

Have you joined the adult coloring book phenomenon? If you did, then you’ll love this app and if you did not, then start your free coloring book therapy now. Download the app to paint mandalas, patterns, animals and more with Pacify. Who knew that coloring could be so relaxing?  Find out what the craze is all about and get pacified with color.

http://www.pacifycoloring.com

How much does your child play video games? Has their iPad taken over their lives with games? Recently, the Institute for the Future explored the major shifts in the nature of game play that has transpired over those last 15 years. Below is a link to an infographic with some startling facts. Thanks to Jill Milenski for the information.

The following facts are claimed in the infographic:

• Since 2006 children have been spending 20 % time less outdoors.
• Time spent online has more than double since 2006
• The average number of apps on a childrens mobile device is 12.
• Kids prefer to learn through a youtube video rather than reading an article
• 9-month-olds spent an average number of 1 hour each day watching TV and DVD.
• Roughly 1/3 of 3 to 5-year-olds can operate a smartphone or tablet device
• 50% of children over 5 access the internet everyday.
• In 2010, children ages 8 to 18 spent an average of 7 hours 38 minutes on devices every day

Link to infograhic: http://www.iftf.org/future-now/article-detail/lego-sponsors-iftfs-transformative-changes-for-children-at-play/

Many fantasy football drafts are coming up this week, are you looking for the edge? I discovered that CBSSports.com has the best free online tools to get you to the top. The website provides in-depth NFL statistical analysis with Interactive Data Visualizations. Not only will you need them for your draft, but all season long to win your league.

http://fantasynews.cbssports.com/

Have you heard of Kaneva? According to the website, “it is a whole new way to express yourself and connect with friends online. A digital canvas for creativity and entertainment, Kaneva is the first to integrate social networking, shared media, games and collaborative communities into an immersive 3D virtual world.”

Does this sound familiar? It might because the concept is very close to Second Life. The biggest difference Kaneva has over Second Life is the “Facebook” qualities of social networking. The ability to share, rate and tag items between users which initially Second Life did not exclusively focus on.

http://www.kaneva.com/