#1 This article was about on using iPads to replace textbooks. It suggests that every student have an iPad and therefore would not need any textbooks. There is a funding issue. It suggest and some schools charge a rental fee for the school year and the information would be automatically updated. This is an interesting idea, however, I do see value in using a textbook too. The structure of using indexes, table of content and such is important. Not sure how parents will take to the idea of having to pay for a computer.
It also shares how a tablet will be of benefit to students. The tablet is more efficient than e-readers because it is multifunctional (will support e-textbooks, web, other communication options, etc). It can be used easier with groups of students too. It also is portable and cost efficient. Could these be use more in the classroom?
#2
There were many opinions on the use of iPads in the classroom. Some think that the iPad will change the ways that textbooks will look. They expect textbooks will become interactive. Due to the cost of ipads it may make it affordable for some schools but out of reach for others.
While students are in the digital age, we as educators need to meet that, but is there some value in using paper and pen and books? I think a good education will include both at this time.
Additional Reading
#1 Technology Versus The Student - Edudemic.com
This article shares the good and the bad of having internet available for the students. Students are able to find info faster. However, as their knowledge grows so do their need for greater responsibility in the usage.
Topics Discussed: Plagiarism - copying/pasting Reliance on the Web - not enough filters Get Facts Straight - some sites do not have the correct facts
Internet research is a mixed blessing and can be a valuable tool. But comes with a teaching responsibility on our part.
#2 50 Innovative Ways to Use ipads in School
This article shares Apps for ipads by Tom Barrett. It also shares topical information on google docs. As well as other collaborative ideas. Collaborating is a great way to have students work together on assignments while working on separate computers. However, watch out for the ones that want to delete other student's work.....
#3 Apps in the Classroom found at articles.boston.com/2011-01-31
A Virginia 4th grade teacher replaced books with ipads. She started using all ipads and their apps in the classroom. She found the students interacted more and it cost less. Several books companies have been redesigning their books and "e-books" to meet the needs of students and teachers.
Pearson and Houghto Mifflin have jumped on board. However, they have both experienced short comings. The ipads are fragile. There is no Adobe Flash. Plus other things. However, the technology and needs of teachers is pushing both companies to move ahead with further research and ideas.
#4 5 Free iphone Apps in the Classroom by Teacher Learning Community
This shared 5 important apps they feel every teacher needs. Several of them I think I'dlike to have. -Word Press: Send blogs -iFlash Cards: eformat flash cards created by teachers -Fluent News Reader: Current events to be used offline by students -Dropbox: Able to access files anywhere from any computer at anytime -Dragon Dictation: Students or teachers are able to dictate. Great idea for those oral learners.
#5 Google For Educators on google.com/Educators
This topic shares support for educators by the Google family. There are many areas where teachers can get ideas and resources. I find it to be a awesome site. Several topics: Google Teacher Academy, YouTube Celebrates Teachers, Applications for computer science, and so much more. It is free so take a peek!
Assignment #1 Seven Web Sites and Articles
Required Reading
#1
This article was about on using iPads to replace textbooks. It suggests that every student have an iPad and therefore would not need any textbooks. There is a funding issue. It suggest and some schools charge a rental fee for the school year and the information would be automatically updated. This is an interesting idea, however, I do see value in using a textbook too. The structure of using indexes, table of content and such is important. Not sure how parents will take to the idea of having to pay for a computer.
It also shares how a tablet will be of benefit to students. The tablet is more efficient than e-readers because it is multifunctional (will support e-textbooks, web, other communication options, etc). It can be used easier with groups of students too. It also is portable and cost efficient. Could these be use more in the classroom?
#2
There were many opinions on the use of iPads in the classroom. Some think that the iPad will change the ways that textbooks will look. They expect textbooks will become interactive. Due to the cost of ipads it may make it affordable for some schools but out of reach for others.
While students are in the digital age, we as educators need to meet that, but is there some value in using paper and pen and books? I think a good education will include both at this time.
Additional Reading
#1 Technology Versus The Student - Edudemic.com
This article shares the good and the bad of having internet available for the students. Students are able to find info faster. However, as their knowledge grows so do their need for greater responsibility in the usage.
Topics Discussed:
Plagiarism - copying/pasting
Reliance on the Web - not enough filters
Get Facts Straight - some sites do not have the correct facts
Internet research is a mixed blessing and can be a valuable tool. But comes with a teaching responsibility on our part.
#2 50 Innovative Ways to Use ipads in School
This article shares Apps for ipads by Tom Barrett. It also shares topical information on google docs. As well as other collaborative ideas. Collaborating is a great way to have students work together on assignments while working on separate computers. However, watch out for the ones that want to delete other student's work.....
#3 Apps in the Classroom found at articles.boston.com/2011-01-31
A Virginia 4th grade teacher replaced books with ipads. She started using all ipads and their apps in the classroom. She found the students interacted more and it cost less. Several books companies have been redesigning their books and "e-books" to meet the needs of students and teachers.
Pearson and Houghto Mifflin have jumped on board. However, they have both experienced short comings. The ipads are fragile. There is no Adobe Flash. Plus other things. However, the technology and needs of teachers is pushing both companies to move ahead with further research and ideas.
#4 5 Free iphone Apps in the Classroom by Teacher Learning Community
This shared 5 important apps they feel every teacher needs. Several of them I think I'dlike to have.
-Word Press: Send blogs
-iFlash Cards: eformat flash cards created by teachers
-Fluent News Reader: Current events to be used offline by students
-Dropbox: Able to access files anywhere from any computer at anytime
-Dragon Dictation: Students or teachers are able to dictate. Great idea for those oral learners.
#5 Google For Educators on google.com/Educators
This topic shares support for educators by the Google family. There are many areas where teachers can get ideas and resources. I find it to be a awesome site. Several topics: Google Teacher Academy, YouTube Celebrates Teachers, Applications for computer science, and so much more.
It is free so take a peek!