mates at home!As well as being very happy showing off my brand new toy, I also wanted to look further into the educational aspects of the iPad. As stated by the Apple In Education site: "iPad apps are expanding the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. From interactive lessons to study aids to productivity tools, there's something for everyone." There are a variety of features on the iPad, designed in order to aid the learning process. For example, iWork, a productivity application, which includes: Pages the word processor, Keynote (which allows you to create presentations) and Numbers, the spreadsheet tool. These can also be printed out directly from the iPad.
I was sceptical about how the device could be used in the classroom, in order to improve the learning experience rather than just as a fancy gadget the children could play games on. However, after reading through each of it's educational features and watching the video clip (showing how the iPad is transforming teaching and learning at all levels), I now believe that, with the suitable research, funding and training, the iPad could be a very valuable resource within the primary classroom.
This is demonstrated in Chicago Public Schools as the iPad, as stated by John Connolly (Technology Director, Chicago Public Schools), has generated 'excitement and enthusiasim' within the classroom, which is apparent during the example teacher lesson. The children all appear to be engage in the tool and eager to answer the teacher's questions. As Stacey Boyd (Kindergarten teacher) explains, the apps available for the iPad are really helping the children with their letter formation and sounds, through repitition in the fun, engaging games (although I keep rewinding the clip to hear what she says I just can't catch it but I think it is the 'Super Eye' or 'Super Y' they are using in the classroom). Ben Grimley (Senior Director, PBS Kids) also talks about the benefits of this app by explaining that it is both engaging and educational, therefore, helping the children learn how to read, write and get engaged in their learning. The other apps in this video also demonstrate it's ability to include all learners as it's apps can be audio, visual and kinesthetic.
Links to other popular education apps can be found here. Unfortunately, we didn't have access to Sharon's password in order to try out any of the free apps from this list, however, she has now given us the information needed - so hopefully I get another chance to have a play around with the iPad again!
I think that the idea of using these in class could really benefit a lot of the learning which takes place in the classroom. However, putting this ideal into practice is more difficult as funding would be the biggest issue for schools. In an ideal world we would all have an iPad sat in front of us, like in Seton Hill University, Greensburg, Pennsylvania, where the lecturer adds notes to the lectures as she goes along and each student receives these straight to their device. It is also used to bring up relevant articles or book chapters which the lecturer can be talking about. If you could get that sorted for us Sharon, you would definitely be the best lecturer ever!!
P.S. I tried various times to embed the video to my blog as I found it very informative but it just wasn't having any of it. I have included links to the website where it can be found instead.
Apple in Education (2010) Learning With iPad.
Available: www.apple.com/education/ipad/ [accessed 4.2.11]
I really enjoyed reading this post and have to say you have undertaken lots of additional research to assist you developing knowledge of using these new technologies for learning. Yes we can share notes and lecture handouts by using Kindle, Evernote or other software. What we will do at our next input is test these out and find out which one is the best tool for the job we want to do.
ReplyDeleteWell done - I am away to highlight this a 'post of the week' on my blog.
I think iPad can be of great value in the classroom (I've not had hands on with pupils, but have done some work with iPod Touches).
ReplyDeleteIn North Lanarkshire we currently have a couple of small iPad pilots.
Fraser Speirs has a lot of great posts about the first iPad 1:1 in the world in Cedars School in Greenock. Fraser has given an amazing about of detail on organising & deploying the iPads.
You thought about how the ipad could be used to enhance learning and teaching. Is there a particular app that you would recommend? You rightly point out the cost, however, there are ways to secure funding for such resources (even for a couple of ipads. Your job would be to convince senior managers of the educational value of such resources and how it would support Curriculum for Excellence.
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