TECH- Tablets in Edu.

I owned a personal Nook for a short time and sold it because I felt restricted by its capabilities. I was unable to use a word processor and this was pitfall in my opinion. I was interested in a discussion about using Nooks in our classroom. I visited, “Knack for Nook: E-devices help learning in Hoover Schools” at http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/02/a_knack_for_nook_e-devices_hel.html. This school is testing out a Nook’s place in our classrooms and if it proves to be the best option. This “pilot-program” has been approved for three years, during which the students will use the Nook to complete their daily work activities.  Barnes & Nobel supported their endeavors and joined up with the school to purchase 50 Nooks for the trail run. The initial idea was that the students would use it to supplement their readings but the teachers quickly saw the potential for much more. Next, they began to use the tablets for viewing science and history videos, as well as to incorporate math games, complete vocabulary tests, and to come study guides in preparation for testing.

At our school, we have a student with a disorder that is causing him to lose the ability to speak. The article found at http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/verbally-turns-ipad-speech-impediment-aid-disabled/ presents the concept of using iPads to aid students with disabilities in their speech. The iPad offers a free application named “Verbally”. This app essentially turns the iPad into a communication aid. It works by audibly speaking the words selected by the user from the selection on the screen. Our school just invested a great amount of money to purchase a specialized machine for our student. I am not informed on all of the machine’s capabilities, but would be curious to know what it offers compared to the “Verbally” iPad app. The app could also prove useful to ESL students by acting as a reinforcement when learning pronunciation of English words.

Working at a Knox County school that has implemented the use of iPads in every classroom, I would like to understand their decision. One overwhelming factor that leads to the use of tablets in many classrooms is the drastic cut in textbook cost. I reviewed, “Schools Abandon Textbooks To Go All iPad” at http://www.hereandnow.wnur.org/2012/03/23/schools-textbooks-ipad. An interview with Principal Larkin in the city of Boston revealed that his school no longer uses physical textbooks. He makes the argument that if a school seeks to implement tablets strictly as a means for replacing costly textbooks, that the schools cost would actually be inflated. His argument is that tablets such as iPads are much more than textbooks and provide so many more uses. He noted that because of the transition to iPads, their school has entirely cut out the need for their foreign language labs, typing/computer labs, and other tech classrooms that are no longer necessary when tablets are available to students in every classroom.  

At this point, it is clear that iPads and other tablets have very useful applications. The link at http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/05/interesting-ways-to-use-ipad-in.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+freetech4teachers%2FcGEY+%28Free+Technology+for+Teachers%29&utm_content=Google+Reader surveys over 55 ways teachers can incorporate iPads into their lessons. This listing is written as more from a collaborative group of creative teachers and less from the standpoint of “what can the iPad do?”. Nonetheless, this is a great resource for brainstorming ideas for using technology (iPads) in the classroom. My favorite suggestion was to use the iPad in helping students learn to mind map.

A new question that has been raised is, “does tablet technology in the classroom impact testing scores?” We must note that it seems a little premature to make such a claim for iPads have just made their appearance in the classroom over the last few years.

 so early in the “iPad Age”: http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/05/09/schools-see-rising-scores-with-ipads/. Through the use of curriculum based iPad applications, a school in San Joaquin Valley, California, has focused their iPad use on improving test scores. Teachers report students being more engaged when using the touch-screen devices than they are in a more traditional classroom activity.

The article found at http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/04/29/bring-your-own-device-catching-on-in-schools/ explores the idea that iPads achieve the benefits of students participating in one-to-computing activities. It also presents the opinion that iPads are a better choice because they are simply easier to navigate and use. The article also discusses the “bring your own device” to school movement and the concerns with this plan of action.