The 21st century is filled with all different types of technology. Living in such a high tech world makes it much easier for students to excel in the classroom. As you saw above in the video I am becoming a huge fan of the Apple product, iPads. Within the past few years, iPads have developed amazingly and made tasks like note taking, recording, and emailing entirely more simple especially for college students.
While there has been many up and downs when it comes to technology; universities have recently learned to embrace it for all its positive attributes. This previous year UWA joined that team by giving students free iPads. For you all who have not been on campus recently, UWA has developed a new program called STEM. This new program was developed to promote interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields. STEM challenges students to brighten and enrich their minds. The iPads were given not only as an award but as a tool to utilize for coursework, projects, and presentations. Research shows that the STEM program students had some of the highest GPAs by the end of the year. UWA as well as myself believes much of that was because of the focus put on technology.
Technology is becoming a huge part of the University of West Alabama. Not only have they invested thousand of dollars in the STEM program but they have also placed heavy emphasis on a traditional learner by developing iCommunicate. iCommunicate was governed a Board of Trustees appointed to the university by the governor of Alabama. Not only is the mission of the development centered around the importance of iPads and technology (iCommunicate, iPad; get it?) but it will teach students the proper way to communicate effectively. Developing the proper communication skills is essential to learn before entering "the real world". Not only must you know how to speak but you must know how to properly send an email and present a presentation. All these factors bring me back to why I think so highly of iPads. They are a convenient way to communicate.
iPads are also being utilized in elementary and high school setting. School Boards across the country are starting to encourage their teachers to add more technology into the course curriculum. With the evolution of Smart Boards and other technology teachers see that it is essential students know how to work these things for future coursework and career paths. One example of iPads in the school system I have read about recently is, the Idaho elementary situation. An elementary school in the UK decided to do away with pens and pencils; and iPads in replacement of textbooks. The school not only saved 20,000 copies of paper but it also introduced the students to technology at a early age.
In the text, it highlights the variety of behaviorist theories. (Roblyer &Doering, 2010, p.38-39) In my personal opinion, I feel as if iPads are advancing the learning process for students. Instead of having to raise their hands and answer questions one at a time students are getting to actively participate in EVERY activity. It also limits the child's time to say, "I'm done." or "I'm bored." They are constantly working and learning; which increases knowledge and decreases behavioral problems. Because some students do feel as if some topics are boring or "too easy" for them. (Roblyer &Doering, 2010, p.55) iPads can be used to have work to fit each child's individual needs. They also lead to my second resource found in the text, by offering unique benefits to teachers.
While experts have given their opinions, I want to know what you all think. Below I have posted the link for the article on the Idaho Paul Elementary iSchool. If you can read it and watch the video and answer my question below.
"Do you think putting tablets in classrooms is beneficial to your children’s learning, or would you rather they stick to pen and paper in their face so they don’t become tech-depending at such an rather early age?"
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@J_Taylor61811 iPads are an excellent tool. Especially for young kids. Check out the Paul Elementary iSchool YouTube video! #greatresource
— Costella Tucker-Duke (@CostellaTuckerD) June 6, 2013
Love you are on top of things because I enjoyed the fyi about STEM hopefuly in the future all schools across the nation will have ipads and laptops from preK to 12th grade.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I'm becoming fascinated with STEM and iPads in general.
DeleteI too, love to use an iPad with my special education students. I have found several applications that reinforce skills learned in the regular classroom setting. I believe we are forced to move into the age of technology because today's workforce requires the use of some type of technology whether we like it or not. I still like to use a bit of pen and paper since a signature will almost always be used. Thanks for a wonderful blog!
ReplyDelete