"6 Things We Know for Sure with iPads in Schools" by Edutopia Staff
I found the article "6 Things We Know for Sure with iPads in Schools" to be an extremely interesting and helpful read. IPads are used daily within my second grade classroom and I was fascinated by the detailed steps they took to ensure teachers were familiar and comfortable using them. This is a huge problem within my school. Many teachers do not know how to use them or implement them during instruction. The process that teachers went through before using the iPads was awesome! I loved how in-depth the training was. I feel that this really prepares teachers to utilize available resources.
I was able to closely relate to "What iPads Bring to Our School" section. There were many different suggestions to help situations that I am facing within my own classroom. I also learned about new resources that students can use which provide immediate feedback. I feel the most beneficial aspect of the article were the reflection questions near the end. I am guilty of not reflecting on lessons like I should. I become to busy with my next task that I often forget. Reflection is such a huge part of ensuring meaningful instruction. These simple questions are a great way to quickly reflect on lessons.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteYour experience sounds much like mine in my previous position. We were all very excited when we heard when we were getting iPads- but then they stayed locked up charging in carts for days on end. Teacher training is so crucial with ANY new initiative (technology or otherwise), yet it is often the most overlooked phase of implementation. I suppose the expectation is that because we're smart people, we'll figure it out, but iPads really changed the way I had to think about teaching and learning.
I'm also in the same boat with the reflection piece- our inboxes are never truly empty. :)
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like an article I'd love to read. I don't have an ipad, but I do have a surface that has apps and am wondering how I could use this within my small groups. I do agree that the most crucial step in implementing any technology is teacher training. And like Randy said, it is almost always overlooked.
This article definitely caught my attention as well. I currently teach high school math at Fraser High School and last year was our first year with the 1 to 1 student to iPad ratio. There are many great features that the iPad brings for student engagement and learning activities. I can only imagine what is going on at the second grade level, that must be great to experience! It also seems like it is the same learning curve and process for all schools with the implementation of the iPads. Great post though! What school are you at that has the iPads also?
ReplyDeleteI teach at Stoneview Elementary, a Title I school in Dekalb County. We are very lucky to have allocated some great resources through our Title I funding.
ReplyDeleteResources such as iPads, are invaluable tools, that make learning fun and interesting. We all know kids love gadgets, there is truly no better way to let them see that their iPads are more than for fun.
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