Incorporating Ipad's into ELA

Mini-Course: Incorporating Ipad's into ELA Classrooms

Incorporating iPads into a first grade ELA curriculum will increase the students motivation level and their participation level. The use of technology for students this age is something that will get the students excited for school.

Before you begin this mini-course, write down your thoughts of using iPads in a first grade classroom. What are the potential uses? What are the possible benefits? What are the possible drawbacks?

Take the iPad pre-test to test your knowledge on the iPad

Skills needed

Intellectual Skills

After this mini-course, the learner will know how to purchase iPads, set-up an education account, and create an Apple ID to be used with all iPads in the school. The learner will learn how to sync the iPads, therefore, the app only needs to be downloaded on one iPad.

Cognitive Skills

After this mini-course, the individual will think about and choose which method of purchasing apps will work best within their own school. The learner will learn different apps that will be beneficial to use in the classroom, how to use the iPad for reading assessments and how to use it for students writing.

Attitude

After this mini-course, an individual make choices that serve the best interests of their program and the students involved. Attitude can also have an impact on how the financial resources are allocated to such projects. Should the iPads be protected with a specific case and how will that affect their use or the financial ability to purchase more iPads?

Needs Assessment

Needs Assessment

1. Instructional Problem

Teachers are constantly looking for ways to get the students more involved and incorporating technology into the classroom. Teachers, however, are often unaware of the different things can be done with the use of iPads. In turn teachers are either reluctant or hesitant to introduce them into the classroom.

2. The nature of what is to be learned

There will be many different apps discussed during this mini course and the effectiveness of them. The apps will draw upon many aspects of ELA. Apps in writing, reading and phonics will be discussed during this course. During the mini course the syncing process will be taught to ensure that downloads only have to be made onto one iPad. The teacher will also learn how to set up the class on the Reading Street website to allow the students to take the weekly reading assessments online through the iPads.

3. About the learners

This mini course is designed to meet the needs of First Grade ELA teachers. The apps are designed to meet first grade teachers, however, the content otherwise can be used by a teacher at any grade level. The object of the course is to have the teachers feel comfortable to use the iPads in the classroom. The different types of programs that can be used on the iPads, not only apps but Reading A-Z or RAZ kids.

4. Instructional Content

The content of this course will be broken down into several different units that will focus on certain skills. The units will teach the learner how to set up an account with the Apple's Value Purchase Program. Ways that an iPad can be incorporated into ELA instruction, ways to choose apps for the students. The instruction will use project based learner in which the individual teacher will be able to adapt the course to his/her needs in the classroom.

5. Explore Instructional problem/solution

With the introduction of common core, the teachers and students are feeling a constant pressure in the classroom. The stress in the class of the students can be lessened by using iPads to incorporate technology in the classroom. The students view technology as a great thing and do not see it as learning. When it comes to incorporating technology, many teachers are hesitant because it can be a confusing change for the teacher due to lack of training or school support. This mini course will help the teacher ease that fear and make teachers see that technology is easy to incorporate.

6. Generate Goals

Learners will be able to set up the entire stock of iPads into one account therefore, the syncing process of the apps will be made much easier. Successful technology usage in the classroom will increase the students success rate on assessments and create an advanced learner.

Task Analysis

Course Purpose

• The purpose of this course is to help teachers set up and incorporate iPads into their first grade ELA classroom.

Learning Outcomes

• After completing this course, learners will be able to do the following:

1. Create an Education Apple ID
2. Select the best ways to use the iPad in the classroom
3. Select apps based on the needs of the students in their class
4. Determine the level of success of the iPads and adjust the use of the iPads if necessary

Essential Prerequisite Skills

• In order to complete the course, Learners must be able to:

1. Have basic awareness of the school budget
2. Be able to use a computer and the internet
3. Understand the need of the students in their classroom

Supportive Prerequisite Skills

• In order to complete the course, Learners must be able to:

1. A positive attitude about the impact of technology on education
2. Creative thinking with regards to the budget
3. Knowledge of student-centered learning