Hot Tech Toy

"We need to prepare students for THEIR future not OUR past." - Ian Jukes.  I saw this toy being sold this weekend and the first thing I thought was that when I was young, this type of watch was found in the comics and in fiction writing.  Fast forward to 2010 and for about $40, kids (of all ages) can have a video camera, still camera, voice changer, downloadable usb file saving watch strapped to their wrists.  
Forget about the flip cam that I like.  Watch out smart phones?  This little watch can take up to 45 minutes of video and hundreds of pictures.  You download your media to your computer and start over.  Both Parents Magazine and the Today Show featured it recently and it is one of the hot toys for 2010.   Stay tuned!  This could be on a wrist in your classroom very soon.

The watch is sold in several places and I am sharing two of several reviews I found on Amazon. Both reviewers talk about active learning and I believe that is how we keep our kids engaged and excited about learning.  How are you preparing your students for their future?  Please share your thoughts and comments.

Amazon Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't worry about 'too much technology', October 25, 2010

By 

Patrick W. Crabtree "The Old Grottomaster" (Lucasville, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Spy Net: Secret Mission Video Watch (Toy)

Customer review from the Amazon Vine™ Program (What's this?)

I have to confess that, while I was pretty much clueless on how to get this little device up and running, my young nephew [14] had the watch/video/etc. functioning at full capacity in just a few minutes.

It's really a hoot, lots of fun for kids who remain wholly engrossed with it... a really nice gift if your thinking about something electronic.
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Highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Product!, August 26, 2010

By 

Shirley Priscilla Johnson "Author/Reviewer -... (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Durability:5.0 out of 5 stars Fun:5.0 out of 5 stars Educational:5.0 out of 5 stars 

This review is from: Spy Net: Secret Mission Video Watch (Toy) 

Let me say this is one amazing product. I at first thought it was just some high tech watch that perhaps did a few things extra but was I ever wrong. This watch is amazing.

Here are some of the features I found right off:
It takes photos, both in real time or you can use the time elapse feature
It has a lie detector built in, we used this feature right away and it was really fun
It is a video camera and you can take video or record voice without anyone knowing it
It has a full screen, easy to see and easy to operate
It tells time in many different time zones
It can be connected to your computer by USB and you can download missions
It has a built in voice changer that is a lot of fun to use
It also has several add on features that can be purchased separately that we plan to look into in the future

And that my friend is just the beginning of this wonderful watch.

My granddaughter and I had a blast with it for several hours. We recorded everyone, took pictures, videoed, it was great fun. We than decided we wanted to download a mission. Understand, you do not have to download missions or interact with the website to enjoy this product. It's totally up to you . If you decide to download missions it will probably require adult help and/ or someone familiar with computers. I am well versed with computers and I still had to call customer service for a couple of quick solutions. I was delighted when a real person answered the phone(with no waiting)! She was very courteous and knowledgeable. Within a few minutes we were back on track and completing our first mission. The missions are clear good quality videos with easy to follow instructions.

I have not had it long enough to tell you how durable it is, however it appears to be very well made.

I am very impressed with this product, it is definitely top-notch in fun and entertainment. My 11 year old granddaughter used the product with ease and loves it. Of course understand Grandma's can have just as much fun with it as well, and I am living proof of that. Amazing product, well worth your money. Enjoy!