Global Digital Citizenship Reflection – Tablets
1. In what learning environment would the technology resource I presented be appropriate?Tablets would be appropriate in any grade level classroom. They could be used one-to-one, during whole group activities, or a class could share a set of four or more tablets, which could be used in a small group or center activities. Tablets are universal and have been proven to enhance learning in all subject areas.
2. In what learning environment would the technology resource I presented NOT be appropriate?
Tablets would not be appropriate for students who do not use them correctly; there are many ways students can misuse tablets, from going on forbidden websites to not maintaining them well. Also, they would obviously not be appropriate during (science) activities that involve elements, such as water, that could ruin the device. Personally, I do no think that tablets should be used during the entire school day. Although learning to use tablets can be a useful skill for students, they need to be given opportunities to use real books along with direct instruction by the teacher.
3. How might it be modified to be appropriate?
Teachers would need to enforce online filters and restrictions that prohibit misuse of internet access. Many tablets have parental restrictions and monitoring that make this easy to do. There would also need to be certain things that are only available to the teacher, such as downloading apps, which could be assured through password protection.
4. What do you now know that needs to be considered when using technology in the classroom?
There are many factors for teachers to consider when integrating technology. We need to be aware of how we would like to use the technology and tailor our classroom and lessons to that. Teachers also need to explicitly teach students proper and acceptable use. Proper use must not only entail maintenance of technology, but topics such as copy right laws, online etiquette and cyber bullying.
Kellsi,
ReplyDeleteI have grown to recognize the benefits of tablets in the classroom. Before this program I thought technology couldn't be helpful for the learning environment, but it really is. I agree that tablets can be used in any grade level. However, a teacher must always monitor technology use even with the parental restrictions. Great reflection and good luck on student teaching!
Great minds think alike Kellsi as I too chose the use of tablets in the classroom! I did not cover the consequences of misuse like you pointed out in the inappropriate use category. Awesome job! We are almost there...YAY!
ReplyDeleteKellsi, my favorite quote from your entire reflection is: "Tablets are universal and have been proven to enhance learning in all subject areas." Personally, I'd like to believe that doing the research and providing statistics where tablets have enhanced student learning to the powers-that-be would get the technology into the schools and classrooms quicker since the research is out there! I replied to Robb's Resource Reflection first, and one of the things that I mentioned on tablets being appropriate in all learning environments is utilizing them for English Language Learners certain applications that help promote digital citizenship and cultural awareness by breaking down the language barrier and support English proficiency.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that students learning to use tablets would be an advantageous skill, and I agree. I had previously stated on Courtney's iPad Resource Reflection that learning how to use them would benefit students since many employers use them to conduct business. However, I absolutely love that your stance on students still using real books and direct teaching opposed to implementing them full time. I laughed internally because that was my own personal stance against reading e-books because it's just not the same as holding and reading an actual book! That stance did not last very long and now I have no clue how I ever survived without having access to millions of books at the push of a button. {Side note: there's still nothing like holding and reading a hard-covered book or seeing them displayed on an actual bookshelf.}
I also really liked how you thought "outside of the box" in regard to advising against utilizing tablets during Science activities where water is required. It's one of those times where the commonsense should be there, but can be easily overlooked by simply not thinking about the consequential what-ifs.
Kellsi,
ReplyDeleteTablets in the classroom is an outstanding resource. I wish that we had them in our school district! I agree that misuse of the tablet is something to be considered in utilizing this technology. Our school restricts the internet in our computer labs. I wonder if there is a way to limit the online access for the tablets like they do the computers. Thank you so much for sharing!
Kellsi,
ReplyDeleteI agree, tablets are great resources that can enhance learning in all subject areas. It seems like there is an app for just about everything, it is just a matter of researching some resources and identifying if it is proper to use in the classroom. There are great concerns in regards to funding for electronic items such as the ones discussed, but you bring up a good point about starting small in groups and then perhaps building up to a class set. This would even provide a great opportunity for students to become involved in the learning process and perhaps write letters to their school board persuading them to include and fund this type of technology. Thank you for sharing!
Kellsi, great presentation on tablets in the classroom. I think you make a great point that you do not think that tablets should be used during the entire school day, I fully agree with you on that point. Although they are a great supplementary tool for students, I do not think they should be the main way of students to learn and think they should just stay as supplementary tools. I also never thought of the fact that it may be inappropriate to have tablets around science experiments, it is very true tablets and the elements do not mix!
ReplyDeleteKellsi,
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately I have to agree with Nikki H. My favorite quote was also about tablets being universal. Your grasp on advantages of integrating tablets could easily sway an administrator into budgeting for there acquirement. Safe guarding students against their own curiosity is a milestone needed to be developed early, along with reinforced daily. I also like your mention of maintenance issue, an overlooked aspect of technology. Great job by you.
Kellsi,
ReplyDeleteI also did my presentation on iPads in the classroom. I fully agree with your points about when they are inappropriate to use. I think that teaching our students how to be responsible with them is key. It is also very important that our students know that they are the deciding factor of whether they get to use them or not. There are rules and guidelines that are set and they have to follow them .
I agree with everything that has already been said about limiting the capabilities of the technology use within the classroom. I love the idea of having the technology in classrooms. It really can be a useful tool. The only problems are with responsible use. If we can ensure students will remain safe, them I am all for tablets in the classrooms.
ReplyDelete