Lesson Two: iPad Technology in Education
Return To: ETAP 623 Spring 2013 - Wilde | Matt Talbot:Portfolio Page | Matthew Talbot
Return To: Whole Task Learning Utilizing iPad Technology | Lesson One:Whole Task Learning
Go On To: Lesson Three: Using the iPad | Lesson Four: Bringing It All Together
Lesson Objectives
When asked to discuss benefits of the iPad in education, students will state at least two benefits by writing short responses in a discussion forum and a short reflection piece.
Getting Started
I want to step away from the idea of whole task learning in this lesson and focus on another topic of this course which is technology. In this lesson we will focus on some cutting edge ideas about technology in education. My aim here is to start you thinking about just how far technology can take us in education. There are many tools that have been invented, are being used, and have yet to be thought of yet that are changing the way we do our jobs. One being the iPad which of course is another central theme to this course. (Please note that this course, specifically this lesson, focuses on use and benefits of the iPad, but this initiative to focus more on teacher training should apply to all forms of innovative technology, in order to best serve the needs of our students.)
Watch this Ted Talk, given by Salman Khan. While this video doesn't specifically focus on the iPad, I want you to think about how his ideas could revolutionize the way we teach, all because of technology. Also, I want you to think about how the iPad (and similar devices) could be used as a tool to facilitate his system.
Now watch this much shorter Ted Talkby an amazing 12 year old boy, Thomas Suarez. Pay close attention to his perception of teachers' ability when it comes to technology. This is a powerful message. When students are noticing that they have more ability when it comes to technology it is very eye opening, and a major reason behind the need for a course such as this.
Theory in Action
The following articles focus on iPad use in Education. I want you to choose two articles to read and think critically about the potential benefits of using the iPad to support instruction. Please note that some of these articles are a couple of years old, and came out around the time that the iPad was launched. These were intentionally selected because I think it is a good reflection of thoughts at that time versus thoughts today, which will allow you to reflect on what has changed (if anything) since then.
A New Model for Classroom Technology Rollouts
Teaching and Learning With iPads, Ready or Not?
Discussion
After reading two of the articles of your choice from above, head to the discussion tab on this page. Notice that I have started a section in the discussion tab for each article. Write an initial post for each article you read by replying to the post I have created for that article. Then comment on at least one of your peer’s posts for each article you read. Although it is not necessary to comment on articles that you did not read, please read through these posts to see what your peers took away from these articles.
Reflection
Write a short reflection (2-3 paragraphs) on your take-aways from the readings and the discussion. Be sure to include what you have discovered are some benefits of using iPads in education. You may email this reflection to me.
In your email I would like you to include something else, as well, to help with an activity in our next lesson. I want you to think of two topics to teach (separate from your topic that you have chosen for your lesson project). I would prefer you choose larger ideas/tasks such as figurative language rather than Act II from Hamlet or photosynthesis than parts of a tree. Write at least one objective for each of these lessons. We will use this in our next lesson.
Lesson Project
Continue to plan your whole task lesson. Begin to think about what role the iPad will play in your lesson. What purpose will it serve in order to meet your lesson objectives?
Extended Resources
Can Technology Change Education http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0s_M6xKxNc
http://innovativescholar.com/2011/05/26/why-use-ipads-in-education/
References
Khan, S. (2011, Mar9). Let's Use Video to Reinvent Education [video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTFEUsudhfs
Suarez, T. (2012, Oct 24). A 12-Year Old App Developer [video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fkd9TWUtFm0
Blow, D. & McConnell, S. (2012). A New Model for Classroom Technology Rollouts. Leadership. 32-35. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.libproxy.albany.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=ec09f7ba-39f3-4969-bdab-542282888716%40sessionmgr4&vid=4&hid=8
Bennett, K.R. (2011). Less Than A Class Set. Learning and Leading With Technology. Retrieved from http://www.eric.ed.gov/PDFS/EJ954326.pdf
Wang, C.F. and Wardley, L.J. (2012). Effective Adoption of Tablets in Post-Secondary Education: Recommendations Based on a Trial of iPads in University Classes. Journal of Information Technology Education: Innovations in Practice. 11. 301-317. Retrieved from http://www.jite.org/documents/Vol11/JITEv11IIPp301-317Mang1138.pdf
Murray, O.T. & Olcese, N.R. (2011) Teaching and Learning with iPads, Ready of Not? Tech Trends. 55. 42-48. Retrieved from http://ehis.ebscohost.com.libproxy.albany.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid=08af7232-a188-452a-b49b-64836b6eab78%40sessionmgr13&vid=6&hid=8