I really enjoyed this article because it seems as though school all around are starting to really embrace the IPad as a tool for teaching.This is on specific example of how the evolution of technology is shaping our classrooms.It really got me thinking about when I have see the benefits of using IPads in the classroom and believe that it is something that every school/teacher should try and model.
My old K-12 school recently received a grant that helped bring technology in the classroom and with it several of teachers have been able to use these IPads for all ages of children. It is a great way to get student's to be engaged as well as learning new things. The great thing about it is that children and even teenagers love to use these tools and don't view it as work but more of play. But with this resource available it is important to use it correctly in the classroom. I believe it is very important for teachers to research ways to use the technology, like reading this week's article. I have seen some who just have the technology in the room and either don't use it or don't use it for educational purposes but as incentives for the students and only have games on it. It is a shame to see this because like the article mentioned there are so many great apps that go along with the IPad and other resources like it and should be taken advantage of by everyone that has the opportunity.
I also feel like using IPads is a great way to teach children how to use technology in all different types of ways. For some children the IPad may just seem like a toy or game but I feel it is the teachers responsibility to teach the students how to use it for educational purposes as well. I can't wait to use different types of technology in my future classroom but I also understand that it is not going to be simple. Technology takes a lot of work to correctly apply in the lessons and teach students how to use it responsibly.
I agree with you that a really good use for the iPad is to use it as an incentive for student performance. Another way to use iPads effectively is to use them in a resource room as assistive technology. It can be a relatively cheap way to help students. I have seen students that use other devices in order to communicate. Those devices can cost up to $1000 and so the ipad can be a cheap alternative.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you talk about the teachers responsibility to teach students to use the ipad for educational purposes. I completely agree with this. We should be constantly assessing where students are at and keeping data in order to be sure the ipad apps are actually helping the children learn. As always teachers should be using research based methods to instruct their students.
This is a great response to the article. I really enjoyed reading it!