“The internet has made such a difference in our society that
it is difficult to remember when we did not depend on it for communications,
instruction, and even entertainment. Yet today’s educational uses of the
Internet bear little resemblance to its original purpose (Roblyer &
Doering, 2013, p.214).” Furthermore, the most powerful tools on the Internet
today are some of the following: wikis, podcasts, social networking, video
sharing, and much more.
Using the iPad can improve reading skills. Improvements in
the following areas: finding facts, identifying the main ideas, enhance a
student’s reading skills, influence in writing skills, and learning and understanding
vocabulary terms. I found that highlighting text in readings can be very
helpful for kids. Highlighting can be used as: a pre-reading strategy, main
ideas of the article or story, review questions, and can be changed to a
variety of colors. Math apps for the iPads can be used outside of school to
practice. Whereas, learning fractions, time tables, or even geometry can be
difficult learning based on hand-written notes. I think when kids get a chance
to look at videos with the teacher going over the work are so much better. Ten
mathematics standards for students: numbers and operations; algebra, geometry;
measurement; data analysis; probability; problem solving; reasoning and proof; communication
and representations. Two forms of language learning: foreign language learning
and second language learning. Resources a student can use to help improve
language learning: learning games on handheld devices, language labs, radio
broadcasts, translation websites/devices, and podcasts. “Technology opens the doors
of modern language classrooms to students with diverse needs because it allows
access to the curriculum as well as information about language and culture
(Roblyer & Doering, 2013, p.292).”
Bringing tablets, iPods, and iPads in the classroom will
forever change a classroom environment. Students will feel that they could play
games, listen to music, etc. when on these sorts of devices in the classrooms. However,
the apps will be beneficial to a child’s need. Apps and games today help to
develop a child’s critical and analytical skills which is a plus for their
future (Roblyer & Doering, 2013).
*Effective
teaching with the iPad:
I personally feel that iPads and tablets used in the classroom
are beneficial in the following ways: equal learning opportunities, learning
tool, engage students more, children with no computers at home a chance to stay
current with technology, and much more. I honestly believe we can all say and
agree that technology is the future of our education (young and old that is
continuing education) (Roblyer & Doering, 2013). Technology is responsible
for enhancing a student’s basic skills, communication skills, and success. Also,
technology should never be used to replace a teacher, but to enable them. Technology
is known to have its own magic and is drastically changing the people’s view
and education.
*Using the iPad in the classroom:
Below are a few beneficial educational apps that I founded
for kids. These apps can be used for the classroom or at home:
Language development (foreign/second language):
Help children who are in the beginning stages of speaking,
learning how to make 23 core phonetic sounds through playful voice games to
improve their speech. App is designed for preschoolers and up. App can be used
to improve and teach in the following areas: language development.
Math:
http://bestappsforkids.com/2013/02/doodle-learning-maths/
App is designed for second-graders and up. Children can
practice basic math skills (addition, subtract multiplication, division), and
working with large numbers. App features multiple levels, graphics, sound
effects, reset button for new players, and builds speed in working out
problems. App is used to improve and teach the following areas: math.
Language Arts:
App is designed for preschoolers-elementary students. Children
can practice long and short vowels, blends, diagraphs, r-controlled vowels,
words ending with le, and much more. App features: tutorials, voice over play directions,
multiple players, and over three levels of difficulty. App is used to improve
and teach in the following areas: language arts.
Reading:
App is designed for toddlers and up. Children are taught: to
develop literacy, recognize and read new words. This is a read-along
storytelling app that records and plays children voices, teaches vocabulary,
and the ability to share videos.
Reference:
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2013). Integrating
educational technology into teaching (6th ed.).
Boston:
Pearson/Allyn and Bacon Publishers.
iPads are used to strengthen the classroom learning. Check out these educational apps to engage kids: http://t.co/D2ZDmy2Zbi #ED505UWARAY
— Brittany Lewis (@BrittLew0712) July 1, 2013
Apple TV in Schools #ipad #ipadedu #ipadeducation http://t.co/bFf8o14TJp
— Neil Skipper (@nskipper) July 1, 2013
Great job! I agree with you. It's hard to remember what life was like before we had iPhones and iPads attached to our hips. We have become so dependent on them. But that's just the times we live in. So it only makes sense that we utilize them in the classroom. I like the apps you found, and I may have to check into some of them for my kids!
ReplyDeleteI agree Carolyn, my first cell phone was one that stayed in the bag in the car and had awful reception! Brit, you are always so thorough in your research and really seek out ways to meet your students' needs. Great links! Fantabulous job!!!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with your blog post! Having tablets at school allow for all kids to experience the wonders of mobile devices! No child should be left behind, right?
ReplyDeleteYes, the act No Child Left Behind is the perfect example because it gives the right-away to all kids to experience the technology.
ReplyDelete