iPads in the Classroom
Technology that teaches
iPads in the Classroom
In 2013, Apple said it had sold 4.5 million iPads to schools. Those numbers have only risen since then. Young children have grown up with this sort of technology. Many of America's great teachers did not have this technology in their education, so how do they learn to use it now? I have spent this past semester researching this topic. The following information summarizes everything you need to know about iPads in the classroom!
Information for Teachers:
Why use ipads?
There are numerous studies demonstrating the potential benefits of ipads in education. Some study results include:
- Kindergarden students using iPads scored much higher on literacy tests
- Medical students using iPads scored 23% higher on the national exams
- Students using ipads regularly in the classroom demonstrated a 49% higher passing rate
- Students using textbooks on iPads raised their math grades by 20%
- One math app helped fifth graders raise their math grades by 15% when used daily
tips for ipad management
- Set a routine for how students should get iPads at the start of class to save time
- Make sure all iPads are returned to and inspected by the teacher at the end of class
- Briefly inspect the iPads at the end of each use to check for damage, look at which apps are open to see if students were staying on task
- Use the instruction "face down" to get student attention away from the iPads when they should not be in use
- iPads should always be on the table where visible, do not let students use the iPad in their lap where the table can hide what they are doing
- Utilize restriction settings to ensure appropriate content, instructions can be found here
- Use the guided access function to keep students on task by disabling the home button during work time, more information can be found here
Information for Parents:
What should you know?
The potential benefits of iPads in the classroom are huge (see 'why use iPads' section above), however there will be some losses with these gains. As a responsible parent, you can help your child receive the best education possible by being aware of skill development they might be missing out on.
- Students who solely use iPads may be slower or less effective at typing. This could become an issue for your student when they are writing 3000 word papers later on! Help your child's typing development by encouraging them to practice on your laptop or computer or purchasing a keyboard iPad attachment.
- If your child uses an iPad in class and then immediately begins using it again at home, encourage them to take a break and maybe get some physical activity. If a young child learns that every unoccupied moment should be spent on the iPad, they will lose out on the childhood development of imagination and natural ability to self-entertain.
Questions You Should be Asking
If your child's school is implementing iPads, educate yourself and ask these questions:
- Will my child use their iPad all the time?
- Will my child have access to their iPad during breaks?
- Will my child be able to take their iPad home?
- Will internet access be filtered?
- Will they still learn how to handwrite?
The Pros and Cons of iPads in the Classroom (according to securedge network)
The Pros:
- Engages students
- Lots of Apps
- Strong battery life
- Platform for e-textbooks
- Communication tool
- User friendly for students with disabilities
- Light weight and portable
- Doesn't support flash
- No USB port
- Lack of multi-tasking
- Expensive
- Potential to be distracting
- Typing can be frustrating
- Not good for sharing
Sources
http://www.georgetownisd.org/Page/8651
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/8-Studies-Show-iPads-in-the-Classroom-Improve-Education
http://www.teachhub.com/20-amazing-ipad-apps-educators
http://www.securedgenetworks.com/blog/17-Pros-and-Cons-of-Using-iPads-in-the-Classroom
https://ipad.redlands.qld.edu.au/content/frequently-asked-questions
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Location: Athens, GA, United States