Discussion 2: Individualization
The ipad has a lot of potential to individualize learning in very specific ways. A student can access a lot of supplementary, near-instantaneous information to assist them in their learning. If they need help reading or understanding a word or concept, this help is there for them. This immediate help can yield increased motivation and self-sufficiency for the student. I also see the potential of the ipad for different interface interactions. Perhaps students will be able to use voice to dictate writing. I also see possibilities in enhanced phrase prediction tools, so the writing of a complete sentence will be faster. This will likely occur with all the texting and pop-up keyboards that are emerging in the market. I’ve seen it in assistive technologies such as ‘read and write gold’ before, but there was definitely room for improvement.
On the disadvantage side, I see issues with the ways in which the positives could be seen in an institutional education setting. If the device is truly to be targeted to someone’s individual needs, then having a shared device across a number of students makes no sense. Not only that, but having only sporadic access would prevent the device from truly becoming part of how a student operates and interacts with learning. You are only likely to fully buy-in and utilize the device if its always with you. There is also the factor of having access outside of the school building. Add to this the fact that the devices would be a high theft item, the management and use of the ipads might be troublesome. In an ideal world with 1-1 access, the potential impact is great.
Emily
Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
themusicwoman 12:31 pm on November 2, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Dear Emily,
Nice thoughts. Especially on the theft issue as we are currently discussing that in our school now. However, I tend to think of the iPad as a personal learning tool. And although it would be great to have enough technology for all of the students, I know our school district is leaning towards supporting student devices rather than providing school ones. That’s not to say we don’t have technology in the school, but the reality of the cost of replacing obsolete hardware is in a budget that is rapidly decreasing.
I’ve also used the iPad with the voice to text feature. It works well for some students to get down their ideas but I think some of the software has to get better in terms of voice recognition and so on.
Thanks.
jarvise 2:07 pm on November 2, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree with you on the use of personal learning tools for students, rather than providing class sets of things. It may make more sense to redirect financial support for those students who otherwise couldn’t afford to buy a device. That way, many more students have a tool that moves with them.
Emily
Angela Novoa 1:09 pm on November 2, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Emily, thanks for sharing these great ideas on how promoting individualized learning through iPads. I have seen on different postings that knowing how to organize the use of these devices within a community is an issue to consider.
Angela.
jenaca 4:12 am on November 3, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Emily,
You have included some great ideas on how to promote learning through the iPad. I really think that using this device is a great way to assist students with their individual learning needs and helps promote a more interactive, engaged and fun way to learn.
Jenaca
Doug Smith 9:09 pm on November 3, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Emily, I really like how you brought up individualization. This is a very important thing for sure, the role of differentiated instruction is crucial. Not only can it help slower learners, but tools like tablets allow outlets for gifted learners, which is just as important.