There are several things one must think about when creating any lesson plan; is this lesson engaging, is it realistic, can students meet the expectations it outlines, is the assessment piece effective? In creating lesson plans for the master’s program, technology is also an essential key to writing a good lesson plan. Two of the handheld technologies that really caught my attention this week were the ideas of using the iPad and GPS in the classroom.
iPad: Several ideas came to mind when reading through the different articles and information about using iPads in the classroom. The iPad is so attractive to use that it is almost a mini-computer. Students could take notes during class lectures or download PowerPoints when they are absent from class. The ability to access the internet also gives students a quick and easy way to login to Student Access and keep track of their grades, missing assignments, upcoming projects, tests and quizzes. Instead of constantly printing out and distributing progress reports, one of our activities in class would be for them to check Student Access and meet with me about any concerns they have about their progress that week. Students would have the ability to do research on a current topic we may be studying in class or for a project. They would be able to download teacher-approved activities and learning games to use during Guided Practice (structured study hall times) each day.
There are many applications available on the iPad that have been made specifically for classroom use. ReelDirector 3.0 is available for editing student-made videos ($7.99 in the Apple app store). As mentioned in the article Five ways readers are using iPads in the classroom, Master’s Academy students in Oviedo, Florida are learning technology skills they will be expected to have in college. Using the iPad in the classroom not only engages students and gives them technology opportunities they may not otherwise have, but prepares them for the future. I believe the iPad would be an enhancement to my classroom. Sure the novelty would eventually wear off, but I believe the opportunity to utilize this kind of technology in addition to the others already available in our building would only further students preparedness for a future of jobs that do not yet exist.
I feel the iPad is pretty simply to use and as students become more familiar with it, their comfort level with exploring its abilities will increase. A brand new iPad2 runs around $499 (Apple website) but one can find a refurbished model for around $349 (Kaufman, Why the iPad Should be used in Classrooms). I listed just a few ways the iPad could be used in my classroom, but there are so many other options. Textbooks can be downloaded digitally without being worn out or lost, each student can have a copy of the periodic table downloaded or maps of the world to be used in Geography class. There are even ESL apps which would be of great use to ESL teachers who work with students of varying cultural backgrounds.
GPS: Again, there are several different ways a Global Positioning System can be used in several classroom situations. A few things that came to mind after looking over the Geocaching site (http://www.geocaching.com/) were to collaborate with a science teacher and have students locate different natural animal habitats found in our community, combining geography and science standards and giving students a real life experience that they will remember. I also thought it may be neat for each class period I teach to have their own unique adventures, not only locating but also creating their own geo-caching sites. A new GPS ranges from $90-400 (www.shopper.com). I think purchasing a used or refurbished model would be reasonable for students as they will be using it for educational purposes not for actual use on a daily basis. It would be necessary to take some time to train students how to use a GPS as different models have varied levels as far as ease of use goes. Because there are several skills involved in using a GPS (reading maps, identifying latitude and longitude) it may not be for every student. It may also be difficult to find a use for it in every classroom.
I love my iPads and they are so simple to use that my first graders can figure it out pretty much from the first time they touch it. With the netbooks we have in class I am always troubleshooting something. On the iPad it is usually just a simple touch and the problem is solved.
ReplyDeleteI think the use of GPS would be fantastic for older students. Taking an outside treasure hunt would an authentic activity to help them understand how to use a GPS. Handheld technology is something that all these kids are growing up with and they are completely engaged with it every moment outside of school so why not teach them how to use if for education.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI like your ideas of handheld integration with the iPads and GPS systems. I like how you thought to collaborate with a science teacher to combine geography standards. I can see how a math and P.E. teacher could even get in on the collaboration! I also liked your comment about how the GPS systems may not be appropriate for every classroom. I am glad that you are considering how the devices will be most meaningful. Thank you for your great ideas.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteWhen I first saw that GPS was available for us to research, I really struggled to see how I could use it in my classroom. I think you did a great job of thinking outside the box on how to implement this within your classroom. Combining science and geography standards with a tool the students see in their everyday lives really will help the students connect the activity and what they learn in class to the real world. I am curious to know what grade and content area you teach?
Thank you for your insight!
Sincerely,
Denise Anderson (Harris)
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI think the great thing about these new technologies is that they can be used across all curriculums with ease. After taking these classes, my eyes have really been opened about how everyday technologies can be used successfully in an educational setting. Especially the idea of a GPS. I use my regularly to get me from point A to point B but it never crossed my mind to use it in my classroom. I really liked your idea of collaborating with the science teacher and geocaching. What a fun way to learn!
I also researched the iPad and am amazed at the capabilities it offers to any classroom from kindergarten to post-secondary. This is a tool I hope to have for myself before next school year begins. My goal is to do some research on grants available to bring this technology into my classroom. Thanks for sharing your great ideas on using these technologies in your classroom.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteIn doing my research this week, I too took an interest in the iPad for my classroom. There are two aspects that I found the most appealing. First of all, there are such a large number of applications that can be integrated into content areas. This enables teachers to differentiate instruction a little easier by using applications for both intervention and enrichment. The other aspect that I found appealing is the ease of use of the device. Students have access to a wealth of information at the touch of a button. The touch screen provides a more “hands-on” experience where one is able to interact with the content on the screen. I would think this would create a sense of autonomy for students that would prove to be very motivating. The only thing that concerns me about the iPad is the screen keyboard. It seems to me that it might be challenging to type on a flat surface. Not having typed on an iPad, I honestly don’t know if this is a true problem or not. I just tend to wonder if it would be difficult for young students who are just learning keyboarding skills. This would pose an interesting discussion among teachers who use iPads with elementary students. Thanks for your post. I enjoyed reading your ideas!
Cherri
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI also thought GPS at the middle level could be very effective when collaborating with other subjects. Social Studies and Science came to mind first. I can't remember what area of social studies you teach but I found a geocaching activity that had an American Revolution theme. It was set up almost like a WebQuest where students had a scenario and a mission and the geochaching questions revolved around the American Revolution and the novel "My Brother Sam is Dead". I think this could easily be modified for another period in history. You can download this pdf and other themed geocaching activities at http://education.usgs.gov/common/lessons/gps.html
Thanks for sharing your ideas!
:) Michelle
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI love what you have added about iPad. I knew I had fallen in love with them and this just reconfirms it! I can only imagine how beneficial it would be if the students were already familiar with them when you got them. Then you wouldn't need to spend as much time teaching students how to use the ipads.
Ashley,
ReplyDeleteI am hoping that the new google hispeed wifi will reach up to my new school district. If it does they will have access at the school there. I am looking for grants for ipads and would like to procure a set to do exactly what you said. Have students be able to track progress, turn in assignments, participate in moodle discussions, etc.. all on the ipad.
Good ideas!!