“iPad School” and gaming addiction link to be researched

The Open University will be investigating the effects that the Steve Jobs schools, also known as iPad schools, have on children. There are currently 22 iPad schools in the Netherlands. The idea behind these schools, that was co-invented by Maurice de Hond, is developing education for a new time, focusing on creativity and collaboration. All children attending these schools have their own iPad and there are no fixed lessons - students, parents and the coach work together to determine the curriculum. The iPad schools have caused a lot of controversy world wide, with parents already speaking out against it before the first Steve Jobs school even opened in the Netherlands. One mother recently told De Telegraaf that the iPad school got her son addicted to gaming. "Because of the iPad in the classroom my son is addicted to gaming. At home he becomes angry and defiant if he can't go online." the woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the newspaper. The boy did not take in the curriculum and had to be held back "partly as a result of that addiction".