Journal+Review

=Journal Review =

Many Schools Adding iPads  Many schools across the United States are trading traditional textbooks for iPads complete with eBooks, lessons, and review activities. According to Apple, over six hundred school districts across the nations have implemented programs utilizing iPads in classrooms in which every student in at least one classroom gets to use the products during the school day. This change comes as more and more students are becoming technologically advanced. From a price stand point, school officials have reported that the cost of textbooks is almost the same as the iPads, the difference being that the iPad has all of the extras that come with it from the activities, lessons, and accessories. For schools, this now seems like the most “up-to-date” and effective resource to choose for classrooms.  The author (unknown) seems to be in favor of this change. They mention several different ways that this can be used in the classroom setting as well as showing that it is much more cost effective than simply using the traditional textbooks. However, the author also includes several quotes and pieces of information from educators and researchers who say that these iPads cannot be solely relied on for instruction and pointed out that some subjects are not yet suitable for this type of programming or that some programs have not yet been completed. This makes it seem like the author thinks this is the beginning of a transition to digital learning.  Personally, I think this is a really great way to implement technology use in the classroom. By giving students the opportunity to use materials like iPads, you are really helping to spark an interest in education. In reality, I do not know of a single student (especially one in middle or high school) that would not love being able to use something as “cool” as an iPad. This is also is a good way to bridge a technological gap that could be present in some of the homes of the students. Not every student will have a computer or internet access in their home. Having a personal iPad to use at school and home for educational purposes could really help to instill important technology skills in students and expose them to the products that are out there in the world—some of which are not readily available to them. This also will allow for much smoother transitions for students. If all or the majority of a student’s books and activities are on the iPad, transitioning from one activity or subject to another will be fast and quiet. This will add more instruction time into the period or school day. I also really liked that these were being used in special education as well to benefit students who need more visual clues and interactions to stimulate learning.

[]

__Description:__ When we were first assigned the journal reviews, I was not excited at all. I have been in many classes in which we had to complete "current event" type projects. However, I completed the assignments without complaint. Now that I look back over this semester and where I have been, I am really glad to have been given this assignment. It is important to remember that even as educators we have to take the time to learn new things as well. Keeping up with educational current events as well as learning about how technology is currently affecting the world of education is extremely important. There could be very valuable information in these articles that could benefit our schools and students. It is also extremely important to know what is going on in the educational world at my current state because I could potentially be asked about these events and technologies in interviews for teaching positions. I would look like a much better candidate if I have knowledge on the current events and technologies rather than just saying, "I'm not sure, I'll have to look into that."

Back to Home Page