The technology in our lives has changed us. The iPhone, the iPad, and the iTouch — these are all common products that many people have in their pockets, in their bags, and in their homes, right now. In this age of technology, many of us can\’t seem to leave the house without bringing along one of these items. We use our iPhones to call our family members, our iTouch to play music while we jog around the block, and our iPads at home to send emails and watch videos. With such a large reliance on iTechnology, it is no wonder that so many apps that each do so many things have become popular in our lives.
Apps are so plentiful that most of us have at least 10 on our phone. But before you consider buying another version of the lightsaber app, or the one that measures how long you can throw your phone into the air, think about why you bought your iPhone in the first place. These pieces of technology, ideally, are supposed to help you connect to people all around the world. The iPhone is meant to bring you closer to your friend on a different continent, through texts, calls, and even emails. The iPad lets you see the world through other people\’s eyes, allowing you a chance to understand and connect to others. But recently, the slews of iPhone apps that have been developed have aimed more towards disconnections. You\’ve seen the couple at dinner that spends more time playing games on their iPhones than talking to each other. There are the friends who hang out and spend the majority of the night texting other people. There is the grandchild at her grandparents\’ house, surfing the Internet instead of connecting at the dinner table.
Apps should serve as a fun way for families to bond together, not grow apart. Apps like SignShine\’s Sing and Sign App does just that! Whether it is with your toddler or with your baby and his older brother, SignShine\’s App allows the whole family to come together and enjoy the magic of learning. SignShine\’s NEW Sing and Shine App shows videos of a sign language expert (me!) signing along to songs. This new updated version allows you (and your loved ones) to access songs and videos, anytime, anywhere. The Itsy Bitsy Spider comes free and the other nine songs are available for a nominal, one-time fee! Even if you already know how to sing along to the songs, it\’s an entirely new and completely rewarding experience to learn how to sign these popular nursery rhymes.
The best part is…it\’s entirely educational and fun for people of all ages! Instead of letting your baby press buttons on your iPhone, now he will be completely absorbed by these clear HD videos of his favorite songs. While he\’s watching with you, the two of you are interacting with each other and developing a loving relationship based on communication. The connections that you form now will still be there when he is a teenager – instead of being attached to his iPhone, iPad, or iTouch, your family will be enjoying a dinnertime filled with laughter. In that way, technology can also help a family connect in beautiful ways.