The iPad and tablets will impact the classroom by eliminating textbooks, allowing for continual updates that keep text book information current, rather than waiting for a new printed edition. Further, iPads allow for “on-the-go learning” through their portability. IPads have greater usefulness than e-readers because they are not limited to one function and will enhance data collection; productivity, etc. IPads and tablets have the ability to add applications and they connect learners to each other.
Article #2 –Measuring the iPad’s Potential for Education One of the premier advantages of the iPad’s capabilities is that it places multiple sources of information and learning at students’ fingertips – and this is what they have been accustomed to doing progressively over the past decade. As with other articles the author, Bridget McCrea, noted that the iPad has “a place in the classroom,” but teachers have pointed out however that iPads may be “cost-prohibitive”. A major advantage of the iPad, versus standard notebooks, is that Internet access is a key advantage for iPad users as well as its memory and storage capacity.
Article 3: The IPAD’s Secret Abilities It is amazing just how versatile the IPAD is turning out to be as a crossover product for the general consumer market as well as for individuals with special needs. Previous alternatives to these new apps were cost prohibitive for most individuals with disabilities – from speech generating devices that range from $3000.00-$6000.00 to scan/read appliances that can reach $1800.00 to portable money readers for $100.00. Ongoing development of “apps” continues to break down these cost barriers on a daily basis - from a free app called SayText that allows you to take a photo of a text or document then prompting the app to read the text out loud to a comprehensive communication app known as Proloquo2Go that prices out at $189.99. The new IPAD2 now is equipped with VoiceOver (a screen reader for those who can’t read print as well as Face Time – video call software that can promote communication with those who utilize sign language. ***While this article does not specifically discuss use in the educational environment, these new apps can (and are being) utilized in the classroom setting. I have seen it occurring in my district on a daily basis. Now we just need to have our school’s administration understand the versatility of this tool and become more open-minded about it use in the educational environment.
Article 4: Scholastic Live: iPads & Common Core The following blog was written following participation in Scholastic Administrator Live Tech Series in August 2011. The discussion included the use of technology and the new “Common Core” (The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce). While most educators agree that they need to keep an open mind to the myriad of technology available the capabilities of the iPad are unmatched at this time. The use of technology will be most definitely be needed to assist students to verify and backup core curriculum in preparing for the common core assessments.
Article 5: iPads Help LI autistic children learn This newspaper article nicely outlined the benefits that the iPad offers those students who are on the autism spectrum living in Long Island. When working with those students with spectrum disorders, educators note that they (the students)tend to be very visual. The colorful screen and images really hold the student’s attention and many apps offer built-in reinforcement. It also assists those students who demonstrate decreased motor coordination with the many touch screen capabilities. Educators in Long Island have also observed how utilization of the iPad is giving non-verbal students a “voice” in a much more socially acceptable mainstream fashion. Previous devices have been much more bulky, expensive and less peer interactive.
Article 6: iThink before you iPad This was a great blog entry that outlined many aspects one should look at before considering the use of iPads in the education setting. While the iPad offers many applications that can be utilized only one app can be used at a time resulting in opening/closing screens repeatedly depending on what you are doing. Also while the iPad2 offers the Face Time option – Skype could be a better option when dealing with a global school environment. Another aspect to consider is the use of a keyboard. While the online touch keyboard is handy it is not really conducive to learning keyboarding skills as a whole (which I think is lacking in most academic environments). While the battery life is phenomenal the bottom line is that the battery is not replaceable in an iPad or iPad2. Netbooks are an inexpensive option that should be considered as you can have all of the above noted (including the option to upgrade/replace the battery) as well as a touch screen. Apps can be used on both!
Forty seven high school students in a pilot program in Roslyn, New York were given iPads to start out the school year. The district hopes that this will ultimately include all students at the high school level. The purpose of the pilot program is for students to use the iPads at home and in class to improve communication with teachers; decreased cost of hard copy textbooks; and to preserve individual student work in digital portfolios. While there is some skepticism due to lack of research, most districts are recognizing the versatility of the iPad. The article sites districts across the country that are doing similar pilot programs in hopes of accomplishing the same goals outlined above. For many of these districts outlined in the article it will also encourage an ongoing initiative to become paperless. Special education programs in these districts have also begun to voice a need to utilize it in their curriculum. From the iPad algebra program to American and world history programs that incorporate game play and functions to promote note taking and fact retention – applications continue to develop in all instructional areas. At the time this article was published 5400 educational applications were available specifically for the iPad.
This article really highlighted what I am actually doing in the classroom already with my own iPad. It suggested using “iPad” time in the classroom with kids while they are in alternative positioning equipment such as an upright stander (a piece of adapted equipment that allows a student to assume and maintain a weight bearing posture while in the classroom). Engaging students in their academic program while they are in alternate positioning is crucial to facilitate success in engaging with their peers. The article also listed a few very fun apps that I have proceeded to download on iPad for use in the classroom.
Article #1 –How will the iPad change education?
The iPad and tablets will impact the classroom by eliminating textbooks, allowing for continual updates that keep text book information current, rather than waiting for a new printed edition. Further, iPads allow for “on-the-go learning” through their portability. IPads have greater usefulness than e-readers because they are not limited to one function and will enhance data collection; productivity, etc. IPads and tablets have the ability to add applications and they connect learners to each other.
Reynolds, R. (2010). How will the iPad change education. PBS TeacherLine.
Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/teacherline/blog/2010/01/how-will-the-ipad-change-education/
Article #2 –Measuring the iPad’s Potential for Education
One of the premier advantages of the iPad’s capabilities is that it places multiple sources of information and learning at students’ fingertips – and this is what they have been accustomed to doing progressively over the past decade. As with other articles the author, Bridget McCrea, noted that the iPad has “a place in the classroom,” but teachers have pointed out however that iPads may be “cost-prohibitive”. A major advantage of the iPad, versus standard notebooks, is that Internet access is a key advantage for iPad users as well as its memory and storage capacity.
McCrea, B. (2010). Measuring the iPad’s Potential for Education. TheJournal.
Retrieved from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/01/27/measuring-the-ipads-potential-for-education.aspx
Article 3: The IPAD’s Secret Abilities
It is amazing just how versatile the IPAD is turning out to be as a crossover product for the general consumer market as well as for individuals with special needs. Previous alternatives to these new apps were cost prohibitive for most individuals with disabilities – from speech generating devices that range from $3000.00-$6000.00 to scan/read appliances that can reach $1800.00 to portable money readers for $100.00. Ongoing development of “apps” continues to break down these cost barriers on a daily basis - from a free app called SayText that allows you to take a photo of a text or document then prompting the app to read the text out loud to a comprehensive communication app known as Proloquo2Go that prices out at $189.99. The new IPAD2 now is equipped with VoiceOver (a screen reader for those who can’t read print as well as Face Time – video call software that can promote communication with those who utilize sign language.
***While this article does not specifically discuss use in the educational environment, these new apps can (and are being) utilized in the classroom setting. I have seen it occurring in my district on a daily basis. Now we just need to have our school’s administration understand the versatility of this tool and become more open-minded about it use in the educational environment.
King, R. (2011, July 6) The IPad’s Secret Abilities. Bloomberg Business Week.
Retrieved from http://www.businessweek.com/technology/the-ipads-secret-abilities-07062011.html
Article 4: Scholastic Live: iPads & Common Core
The following blog was written following participation in Scholastic Administrator Live Tech Series in August 2011. The discussion included the use of technology and the new “Common Core” (The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort coordinated by the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO). The standards were developed in collaboration with teachers, school administrators, and experts, to provide a clear and consistent framework to prepare our children for college and the workforce). While most educators agree that they need to keep an open mind to the myriad of technology available the capabilities of the iPad are unmatched at this time. The use of technology will be most definitely be needed to assist students to verify and backup core curriculum in preparing for the common core assessments.
Royal, K. (2011, August 22). Scholastic Live: iPads & Common Core.
Message posted to http://blogs.scholastic.com/royaltreatment/
http://www.corestandards.org/
Article 5: iPads Help LI autistic children learn
This newspaper article nicely outlined the benefits that the iPad offers those students who are on the autism spectrum living in Long Island. When working with those students with spectrum disorders, educators note that they (the students)tend to be very visual. The colorful screen and images really hold the student’s attention and many apps offer built-in reinforcement. It also assists those students who demonstrate decreased motor coordination with the many touch screen capabilities. Educators in Long Island have also observed how utilization of the iPad is giving non-verbal students a “voice” in a much more socially acceptable mainstream fashion. Previous devices have been much more bulky, expensive and less peer interactive.
Napolitano, J. (2011, September 5) iPads help LI autistic children learn. Newsday.com
Retrieved from http://roslynipadforum.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/ipads-help-li-autist.pdf
Article 6: iThink before you iPad
This was a great blog entry that outlined many aspects one should look at before considering the use of iPads in the education setting. While the iPad offers many applications that can be utilized only one app can be used at a time resulting in opening/closing screens repeatedly depending on what you are doing. Also while the iPad2 offers the Face Time option – Skype could be a better option when dealing with a global school environment. Another aspect to consider is the use of a keyboard. While the online touch keyboard is handy it is not really conducive to learning keyboarding skills as a whole (which I think is lacking in most academic environments). While the battery life is phenomenal the bottom line is that the battery is not replaceable in an iPad or iPad2. Netbooks are an inexpensive option that should be considered as you can have all of the above noted (including the option to upgrade/replace the battery) as well as a touch screen. Apps can be used on both!
Royal, K. (2011, August 16). Scholastic Live: iThink before you iPad.
Message posted to http://blogs.scholastic.com/royaltreatment/
Article 7: Math That Moves: Schools Embrace the iPad
Forty seven high school students in a pilot program in Roslyn, New York were given iPads to start out the school year. The district hopes that this will ultimately include all students at the high school level. The purpose of the pilot program is for students to use the iPads at home and in class to improve communication with teachers; decreased cost of hard copy textbooks; and to preserve individual student work in digital portfolios. While there is some skepticism due to lack of research, most districts are recognizing the versatility of the iPad. The article sites districts across the country that are doing similar pilot programs in hopes of accomplishing the same goals outlined above. For many of these districts outlined in the article it will also encourage an ongoing initiative to become paperless. Special education programs in these districts have also begun to voice a need to utilize it in their curriculum. From the iPad algebra program to American and world history programs that incorporate game play and functions to promote note taking and fact retention – applications continue to develop in all instructional areas. At the time this article was published 5400 educational applications were available specifically for the iPad.
Hu, W. (2011, January 4) Math That Moves: Schools that Embrace the iPad. The New York Times
Retrieved from http://www.pearsonschool.com/drm/2010/ipadpilot/NY_Times_iPad_story_1-4-11.pdf
Article #8: iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs
This article really highlighted what I am actually doing in the classroom already with my own iPad. It suggested using “iPad” time in the classroom with kids while they are in alternative positioning equipment such as an upright stander (a piece of adapted equipment that allows a student to assume and maintain a weight bearing posture while in the classroom). Engaging students in their academic program while they are in alternate positioning is crucial to facilitate success in engaging with their peers. The article also listed a few very fun apps that I have proceeded to download on iPad for use in the classroom.
Kaufenberg, J. (2010, May 3). iPad Apps for Kids with Special Needs.
Message posted to http://blog.easystand.com/2010/05/ipad-apps-for-kids-with-special-needs/