UK educational design company Leapfrog plans to release the Text & Learn this summer in an attempt to infiltrate the childrens toy market with a device that teaches kids about technology. Not sure how we should all feel about this right now because the immediate thought about this product is that it is a BlackBerry for kids age 3 and up.
The Text & Learn contains scaled-down versions of some of BlackBerry’s main features including calendars and texting, but will not be able to connect online – which is probably a good thing. Leapfrog hopes the toy/device will ready youngsters for school as it’s navigational character “Scout” (an animated puppy) will be able to walk them through everything from simple math problems to grammar advice through the full-keyboard. The Text & Learn is also equipped with a large LCD screen so kids can experience the wonders of hand held multimedia.
Leapfrog sees this device as a way to bridge the parental gap between technology and education – but my question is, how many of these kids already go out to dinner with the parents and watch Mom and Dad break out the CrackBerry and forget that there is a life beyond it? This might not be the best idea to imbed into the minds of our youth. Go ahead and check out this video review of the Text & Learn and decide whether or not this is a good idea.
