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iPads
in the classroom -an emerged technology
iPads in the classroom are an emerging
technology. With the graphics and touch
screen it has become very popular with students and teachers. There are an
abundance of applications that help students with research and writing. The applications cover every content
area. There is even an English Learner
App for ESOL students. It will help
build their reading, writing, speaking, and understanding skills. The books can be seen in iTunes and are
loaded with colorful graphics, animation and games. There are interactive math applications that
have engaging games that are fun. The
science and social study applications are full of discovery and engaging
games. Some schools are beginning to use
the iPad to replace classroom books. Some of the most
interesting applications are those that allow for student creativity and
critical thinking (Levy, 2011).
With that being said, most school districts are
using grant money to buy the iPads. Some
schools do not have the funds to buy and iPads for every student or even a
class set. The books must be downloaded
and bought through iTunes. iPads are
continually changing and being updated.
Some teachers are using the iPads as a replacement tool rather than a
supplemental tool in education. Teachers
need to be aware of the applications available and make appropriate lesson
plans accordingly. The students need to
be aware that it is an educational tool and not a toy. One teacher stated that there was a problem
with typing and you would need and external keyboard. There are many pros for the iPads in schools. Personally my school does not have iPads for
students. “It isn’t in the budget,” I
was told.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteThe iPad or any other computer tablet would be an asset to the learner as long as educators maintain a learner-centered and not a technology-centered classroom environment (Mayer, 2009). The device could enable behavioral and cognitive activity as the technology allows the user to interact with content. It is unfortunate that the technology is emerged in some districts and not even emerging in others, due to lack of funding, giving some learners advantage over others. Perhaps your district could investigate less expensive options than the iPad; similar technology which would offer the same benefits and opportunities to learners. Good post.
Reference
Mayer, R. E. (2009). Multimedia learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge, MA: Cambridge University Press.
Hey Tracy. I too completed my blog post on the iPad because it has greatly impacted K-12 and higher education classrooms nationwide. Although I would not go as far as to say that the iPad can or should replace the desktop computer in classrooms, I do acknowledge the advantages and uses of this tool in instruction. Therefore, I believe that it should be used as a supplement tool, not a replacement tool; as you suggested. Like your school, my school (which is a middle school) doesn’t have access to iPads in the classroom as of yet, but one elementary school in my district have implemented an iPad pilot program. Their success will probably determine whether the district will place iPads in other classrooms. Anyway, you’ve done a great job detailing some of the applications offered through iTunes that can impact academic classrooms.
ReplyDeleteTracy,
ReplyDeleteI have a daughter that is multi-handicapped who is 18 and reads at the second grade level. She received an iPad during the 2011-2012 school year and she loved it. The school gave them to the senior class(185 students) only and will give them to the junior and senior classes next year and so forth until all students (9 - 12 ) have an iPad to use during the school year. The iPad can be used as an affective instructional tool along with teaching stategies to enhance a student's learning experience without becoming dependent upon the iPad.
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteThe middle school that opened in my district this year opened as an iPad school. Instead of textbooks, each student receives an iPad. I have heard so many stories about the benefits of using the iPads. The kids are engaged, and there are so many applications available to enhance their learning. I've also heard about some of the struggles, which comes with using any device for education. Great post!
http://www.wltx.com/news/national/article/154302/2/Midlands-School-Drops-Books-For-iPads-
Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI agree the IPads would be a valuable resource for the classroom. But my school system does not have the money as well. It is unfortunate that some school systems have all the resources they could want and others do not have any resources. I wish the state department of education would look at this and make the funds more equal. I agree that teachers do not need to use this as a replacement tool but as a supplemental tool in the classroom. I think this would engage the students and they would be more motivated to learn. Great post Tracy!
Hi Tracy,
ReplyDeleteI agree that iPads are wonderful devices. Its use is growing in K12 depending upon the availability of funds. Recently Apple has introduced K12 version of iPads that are less expensive too (Apple insider, 2012). This may be like "dream come true" for several school districts struggling with budget issues.
Reference:
Apple Insider, (2012) Retrieved June 2012 from: (http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/12/06/05/september_launch_of_ipad_mini_seen_boosting_education_sales.html)