Christine and I were both interested in exploring the use of iPads in the classroom. I have access to a set of 10 iPads, which in itself is a bit problematic in a class of 30, but I don’t want that to stop me from using them next year. Christine made an interesting point that she didn’t just want to compile a list of “neat” apps, but rather wanted to learn to use the iPads in meaningful ways. So often, the iPads become just another word processing tool or Google search tool. I don’t think that is really using the technology to its full potential. We began investigating deeper uses of iPads in the classroom where students are using the iPads to create and publish online.
Jenny spoke about the importance of teaching our colleagues why the use of technology is so important but quite frankly, I can’t imagine many of my work colleagues will care. There is a strong resistance to change at my school. But I do know from experience that they will become intrigued if I can show them the some of the possibilities. This past year, a new teacher constantly had the iPad “lab” signed out and his kids created some really interesting stop-motion videos. These videos were then played on a loop, projected into the hallway outside his classroom for our school’s Centennial Celebration. Everyone was blown away at what the kids had created.
For my inquiry project, I would like to look further into engaging and meaningful uses of the iPad for me in my classroom. Just from the small amount of research I was able to do in class today, I was blown away at how many new ideas turned up compared to the last time I did a similar search. I found a really interesting slideshare presentation that even broke down various iPad apps according to Bloom’s Taxonomy which I listed on our Mindmeister (posted below).
I am genuinely interested in pursuing this topic and I’m really excited to see what the final outcome will be. Best of all, I hope to have something that I can use this coming September with my class of grade 6/7s.
Teachers are so resourceful! I know that I use my iPad for certain things that I cannot do with my laptop – I love to draw, and I use a stylus on my iPad to make drawings from life. Also, I use my iPad camera and data functionality to be able to take pictures from the renovation so that I have specific data at my fingertips at the paint store or hardware supply. It will be interesting to learn how the iPads are administered and how easy it is to add apps to their functionality. For instance, I use a concept mapping application to plan my lessons. Often I am fine tuning the lesson for the day as I am on my way to school. I am able to upload the picture of this concept map to drop box for loading into the course blog. I am interested to see how your inquiry proceeds with this topic!
I connected with your “triple scoop” concept from Adrienne Gear and feel that this course has covered so much material in such a short space of time. I am excited to read of your project on more meaningful uses for I pads in school as this is something I could see myself using in the classroom. I can identify with the fundamental changes needed in education to change mindsets, accessibility issues, funding and Pro D amongst others for a shift to happen with ICT use.