I think that blogs can be a very powerful collaborative tool within the classroom. Blogs create an environment in which participation is everything. In my experience in the classroom setting, some students participate a great deal more then others. There is a simple way to keep track of participation within a blog, the amount of posts put up by the user. A blog can ask more of a student in terms of a participation. I think that students may in fact feel more comfortable participating with a computer.
I use technology to the fullest in my career. I am always searching for a new tool that can help me become more efficient. What are your thoughts on bring a tablet device into the classroom? iPads have already been handed out to numerous classrooms. Do you see this as a viable educational tool? How would you adapt such technology into your classroom and lesson plan?
I am sorry if this goes through, I have had problems getting my comments to post. This is just a test.
ReplyDeleteAren't tablets and iPads essentially the same things? I guess you may not be able to create the same documents in iPad that you can in tablet. I'm no sure. However, I think putting ay device that allows a student to learn at their pace, in a way they are both comfortable and familiar with, and finding a way to be creative is a great thing. I have watched several stories of schools that used everything from iPods to laptops to better engage and empower their students. With such severe budget restricts on science labs, having technology students could use for more than just science, but that would allow them to do digital science experiments, watch scientific videos, read the latest scientific discovers and record their own data would be a great way to spread a thin budget among all of the disciplines so that students are better rounded in their education.
ReplyDeleteI agree that tablets engage the students a great deal more then text books and hand outs. Technology is able to offer interactive lessons that are more enriching to the students. I never thought of tablets and iPads being used to teach the student at their own pace but I must agree with you. An iPad is a tablet, some tablets offer different operating systems on which programs run. Apple's coding is more proprietary then say Android. Android programs can be created by quite a bit more people for a cheaper cost, which may make it more viable in the education realm.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very relevant question for today's times. I do see the incorporation of tablets/iPads as a valuable thing. I know the ability to use an iPad or laptop during business meetings keeps me more engaged than I would be without it. I only question the ability of the teacher to monitor what students were working on besides their assigned project in the classroom. I'm afraid I don't have many grand ideas for lesson plans as I'm not a teacher; however, those that are able to incorporate it's use have a great chance of bettering their student's success rate.
ReplyDeleteI do like the ideal of incorporating more technology into the classroom. It is a valuable resource to help the students to prepare for future jobs even the ones that do not exist. I do believe it should be alongside the classical ways of teaching. We should incorporate the new without getting rid of the old. A blended education you could say. I don't know exactly how I will incorporate technology into the Physical Education classroom, but I am willing to try. I am seeking ideas on my blog. Please, if anyone has any creative ways to do this let me know.
ReplyDeleteWow. I did not realize I had so many typos on this post. I guess I will not be using my android phone to post any more comments!
ReplyDeleteI understood your question to imply that students will have access to ipads (or tablets) during classtime. If I am correct then I think that for my English/Lit classes that I would be able to use the technology to connect students with what they are reading about. For example, they can read the text of Moby Dick, link to sites that show pictures and explain what some of the technical terms are, and then go right back into the text. They can also have the dictonary app handy so that they can look up words quickly without getting too seperated from the text. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThere can be speciality applications made to incorporate various lessons and subjects. The applications can connect students, offer enriched features such as audio and/or video clips. I definitely think that this is computing of the future.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the beginning of this school year, I have seen IPads and other technological devices being incorporated more and more in classrooms. I think this is great because it is a different, hands-on way for students to learn. There are tons of activities for students to participate in on IPads. I will let children play educational games on a classroom IPad and they could also create projects. Not only does it help them learn their core subjects, but it teaches them to use these tools in the future.
ReplyDeleteI would absolutely love the idea of having iPads and other types of technology in the classroom. What better way to see our students advance?! My only concern would be...is this possible? Many school systems in the south do not have the funding for this. As a special education, I would be able to use the iPad in many different ways. One main reason that I would want to use this for my students is to keep their attention. For some students in special education, they can become easily distracted. The use of iPads will be something fun to intergrate into the curriculum!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stanielle and that many schools, particularly in the south, that do not have such funding. I have read that Apple and other major corporations end up donating the tablets to schools. I think that cost is the biggest factor that must be addressed when bringing tablets into the class room. I think the amount of funds spent on textbooks should be analyzed and compared with the cost of ebooks and the cost of the tablet. I think we may be surprised in the cost of the textbooks.
ReplyDeleteI think it would be a good idea to bring in a class set of kindles or i-pads because in the long run it would save money on textbooks and novels. However, the problem would be the up-front cost, not to mention, students wouldn't be allowed to take home this technology.
ReplyDelete