There are many different opinions about the use of iPads in the classroom. Teachers, parents and children have varying perspectives about how productive and beneficial an iPad (or technology in general) can be. Most people agree that technology, specifically iPads, are a greta tool to supplement learning in the classroom for various subjects.
There is the debate of what age a child should be exposed to an iPad and other technology. Most parents believe that young children, ages five and younger, should not be exposed to iPads because it may delay development in other areas. Other parents believe that an iPad is a good learning tool, but that the parent must monitor their child's use and make the best use of it for their child's mental development.
If you ask the kids, they love them! Even parents agree, that when their child gets their hands on an iPad, they seem to not be able to get their child to put it down. Kids enjoy the engaging, fun and interactive things they can accomplish on an iPad.
Teachers would agree that adding technology to instruction is not only beneficial to students but helps keep kids engaged in the learning process. Teachers believe that using iPads puts the student in charge of their own learning experience, and improves student engagement results. iPads also replace textbooks and other 'old school' supplies. The use of iPads can improve specific skills such as Math and Reading skills, and also help and benefit students with disabilities.
Below is a video on the top reasons to use iPads in the classroom!
Sources:
http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/09/discovering-that-your-18-month-old-is-using-an-ipad-in-pre-school/279438/
http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/a-parents-struggle-with-a-childs-ipad-addiction/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0
http://www.educationdive.com/news/17-ways-ipads-will-be-used-in-schools-in-2013/99550/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulb4jl3xqs8
This is a great video you posted. Gives some solid reasons for technology use in the classroom. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat video to supplement the reading. I liked hearing the reasons for technology's usage in the classroom. Great video to bookmark for future reference. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRose,
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this video-- it was definitely great to watch and helped with understanding the readings! I think it is great that students love working with the iPad, especially for educational reasons. They may not even realize they are learning information at the time they are interacting with the games, they just know they are having fun. The little girl I nanny for is going to be five years old at the end of the month--she absolutely loves playing on the iPad; specifically an alphabet game. When she began playing the game a few weeks ago, she hardly knew her letters and the sounds they make. Now, she can tell you any letter and the sound before the iPad even tells her--amazing! She has learned so much from using technology that I am truly amazed. For that reason alone, parents and teachers should advocate to using technology in the classroom more often!