There have many times when I am using my iphone and ipad that I come across apps that I could use in my classroom. There are make handwriting apps that allow students to practice writing letters and will correct them as they are going! I think that being able to use the technology that is out there for our students in the classroom setting will be extremely valuable! Making parents aware of such programs could allow them to download the free apps (yes they are free) for the child to practice skills at home. There are games that work on letter sounds and writing, comprehension questions about stories the iphone reads to them, and memory games! I have been so amazed by the free programs available and I have been able to see first hand how they work! My nephew plays these games on this mother iphone and he has been showing how they work and he is only four. I read an article about a school district in Maine that is providing Ipads to their Kindergarteners. This particular article peaked my interest because this is the area where I completed my student teaching and to see such progress in technology in such a small area will hopefully show the benefits to use these measures in all schools. The schools in Auburn, Maine are providing half of the Kindergarten students with IPad 2's at the start of the school year in order to make a comparison to the rest of the student's who will recieve theirs in November (Toboni, 2011). The money provided to purchase the IPad's also covers insurance on the machines which eliminates the fear of students breaking the machines, but it would be the teacher's job to make sure their students know how and are hekl accountable for how they use the machines just as we do now with the computers and starboards. There are other states at are jumping on the IPad's for Kindergarteners as well including Tennessee and South Carloina. Critics of the programs are concerned that students will not be taught the basics before being exposed to the technology and therefore not be able to function in daily situations without it (Toboni, 2011). Another concern is the development of handwriting skills. This is the first year of this initiative and there are now results to show the success but I will continue to follow this because I think I could find success with my students who are struggling by providing them with a fun game to play on the IPad instead of basic drill for the skills they are lacking. Our young students are being exposed to the Iphones by their parents and if we can show them how to properly use the games and such they could be learning and not even know it! I am hoping the schools with find concrete data to backup their intervention and I will continue to use what technology I have (iPhone) to make my own grant request in the coming years! I found a video showing how the schools are going to be implementing the IPad's! This video shows a student showing teachers how to use the IPads and what he uses them for! Pretty exciting to see six year olds teaching adults about technology.
Bibliography
Toboni, G. (2011, 9 14). Apple IPad's For Kindergarten Students? Schools Try Them. Retrieved 10 20, 2011, from abc news: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/apple-ipad-learning-tool-kindergarten-maine-tennessee-south/story?id=14509290
Journal, S. (Director). (2011). IPads for Kindergarteners in Auburn [Youtube].
I would like to find out, if this school in Maine is a public or private school? Who cares about handwriting these days; “21st century”. We live in a world where everything is typed and sent electronically. Even they have started making home phones that shows text whiles talking, it types the communication whiles you talk. Critics should rather think of or look at how best we can use these technologies to improve on education even at that early stage. I don’t really think our digital citizens need basics to be taught in everything to get their hands on them. They don’t even read manuals, they start operating machines, toys, games, name them, the moment they get them. I think critics are worrying for nothing, this is their world and they know how best to make things work for them.
iPad Rules Always use two hands to hold. Be gentle and respectful. Touch lightly. Have clean and dry hands. Have a clear work area. Stay on task. Return iPad to its proper area. Only use it when you have permission. Share—respect the iPad user. Wipe clean with only the iPad cloth. Have fun!
I would like to find out, if this school in Maine is a public or private school? Who cares about handwriting these days; “21st century”. We live in a world where everything is typed and sent electronically. Even they have started making home phones that shows text whiles talking, it types the communication whiles you talk. Critics should rather think of or look at how best we can use these technologies to improve on education even at that early stage. I don’t really think our digital citizens need basics to be taught in everything to get their hands on them. They don’t even read manuals, they start operating machines, toys, games, name them, the moment they get them. I think critics are worrying for nothing, this is their world and they know how best to make things work for them.
I would like to find out, if this school in Maine is a public or private school?
ReplyDeleteWho cares about handwriting these days; “21st century”. We live in a world where everything is typed and sent electronically. Even they have started making home phones that shows text whiles talking, it types the communication whiles you talk. Critics should rather think of or look at how best we can use these technologies to improve on education even at that early stage.
I don’t really think our digital citizens need basics to be taught in everything to get their hands on them. They don’t even read manuals, they start operating machines, toys, games, name them, the moment they get them. I think critics are worrying for nothing, this is their world and they know how best to make things work for them.
This was too cute...I had to share
ReplyDeleteiPad Rules
Always use two hands to hold.
Be gentle and respectful.
Touch lightly.
Have clean and dry hands.
Have a clear work area.
Stay on task.
Return iPad to its proper area.
Only use it when you have permission.
Share—respect the iPad user.
Wipe clean with only the iPad cloth.
Have fun!
Source: http://pes.lovejoyisd.net/MP.cfm?P=7565
I would like to find out, if this school in Maine is a public or private school?
ReplyDeleteWho cares about handwriting these days; “21st century”. We live in a world where everything is typed and sent electronically. Even they have started making home phones that shows text whiles talking, it types the communication whiles you talk. Critics should rather think of or look at how best we can use these technologies to improve on education even at that early stage.
I don’t really think our digital citizens need basics to be taught in everything to get their hands on them. They don’t even read manuals, they start operating machines, toys, games, name them, the moment they get them. I think critics are worrying for nothing, this is their world and they know how best to make things work for them.