http://johart1.edublogs.org/2012/03/20/edublogs-serendipity-webinar-overview-ipads-in-class/
After a ridiculously long waiting period (during which we assembled protective cases, put together a docking station, explored some apps, and talked with tech support about logistics), I finally realized enough was enough, and so I unleashed the iPads in my classroom. Yes, we have had these since the fall and it is now December.
So...the results? Here are some student comments, totally unprompted:
Female student, quite earnestly: "Thank you, Ms. Slater, for letting us use the iPads!!"
Male student: "If only we could have more technology...homework wouldn't be so boring!"
Male student (often struggles in class): "I work so much better on the iPad!". When I asked him why, he said, "Because I can make things bigger...."
Now, this could be novelty...but I'm sensing we are on to something. I am keenly aware that students can make text larger on a laptop...but there seems to be someting about the tactile and personal experience of the iPad that surpasses the laptop. And given my own affinity for tap, tap, tapping on my iPad, and my admiration for the quality and clarity of visual images on the iPad, I can relate to the sentiments expressed by my students.
So, this is just the start, and only time will tell as we continue with our inquiry, but this is certainly a positive beginning. I'll keep you posted...
After a ridiculously long waiting period (during which we assembled protective cases, put together a docking station, explored some apps, and talked with tech support about logistics), I finally realized enough was enough, and so I unleashed the iPads in my classroom. Yes, we have had these since the fall and it is now December.
So...the results? Here are some student comments, totally unprompted:
Female student, quite earnestly: "Thank you, Ms. Slater, for letting us use the iPads!!"
Male student: "If only we could have more technology...homework wouldn't be so boring!"
Male student (often struggles in class): "I work so much better on the iPad!". When I asked him why, he said, "Because I can make things bigger...."
Now, this could be novelty...but I'm sensing we are on to something. I am keenly aware that students can make text larger on a laptop...but there seems to be someting about the tactile and personal experience of the iPad that surpasses the laptop. And given my own affinity for tap, tap, tapping on my iPad, and my admiration for the quality and clarity of visual images on the iPad, I can relate to the sentiments expressed by my students.
So, this is just the start, and only time will tell as we continue with our inquiry, but this is certainly a positive beginning. I'll keep you posted...
I liked your link out to the visual of the cartoon depicting your shared reluctance to unleash the beast before at least trying to train it to do a few small tricks. Thanks for sharing the student quotes. It makes me think of the placebo effect. If they think they are learning better, they just might be.
ReplyDeleteI read an article in the NYTimes this morning about reading on the iPad and thought of you and this post: http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/12/12/the-gift-of-reading/?hp