Reading Reflection #2- "Unlock Literacy with iPads"

Reflection #2

            The article “Unlock literacy with iPads” illustrates how iPads as well as other technology can be integrated into classrooms. This article introduces the idea that by using the right applications on iPads, student can do activities, receive feedback, and have the application assess their skills and abilities all at the same time, while also keeping students engaged and focused on the task. There are many different types of applications educators can choose from that can help with the learning process, such as reading apps that have a built in dictionary, vocabulary applications for building such as “Words with Friends”, storytelling apps that allowed students to engage in digital storytelling, and authoring apps that allow students to create their own poems and stories with inserted hyperlinks within the writing to connect their ideas to sites that illustrate their ideas further. High scores from games could be posted to help motivate other students to achieve higher standards. Also, journal entries and other writing could be immediately turned in online when students are finished. This gives students the freedom to do the work and turn it in all at the same time in the comfort of their home. This also gives educators the freedom of grading the work wherever they are and not having to keep track of papers. By using the applications in the classroom, this particular educator noticed that assessment scores, student engagement, and completion of school work all increased. When educators use technology in the classroom, this gives students the feeling that they are more in control of their education, which leads them to take more responsibility for their work. Access to having iPads positively correlated to increased passing test scores for both reading and writing. Also, students who had iPad access rated themselves lower on reading and writing compared to those who didn’t have access to iPads in the classroom due to iPads giving students more accurate assessments of their skills and abilities due to having experience with the various programs available on the iPads. Overall, technology and applications have given educators endless possibilities and more freedom to create a unique and successful learning environment that gives students more control over their learning and academic careers.    

            As a future educator, I think that the more teachers incorporate technology into the classroom, the more engaging and interactive the environment will become. Although using technology may have its issues, such as distracting students or having to teach students how to use certain programs, the reward of creating a more interactive and engaging environment will outweigh the costs. The different types of applications offered by smart technology have endless possibilities to assist with the learning process. There are applications for all subject areas for every aspect of the learning process such as teaching, practicing, assessing and testing, using interactive games that teach and reinforce information, grading, behavior management, classroom management, and many other applications that can be utilized to help create a more productive learning environment. Applications can easily be learned and students have the freedom to take more control over their learning and even testing, which leads to increased productivity and test scores (Harmon, 2012). Overall, I believe that for educators to develop an effective lesson plan and curriculum, educators need to incorporate students’ interests to engage and motivate them to learn.          

            The idea of implementing various smart applications in the classroom connects to different NETS-S criteria. The first NETS-S criterion that is illustrated by utilizing applications in the classroom is Creativity and Innovation. By using smart applications, students are able to apply existing knowledge to generate new ideas by using new technology to reinforce existing information. Another criterion that is present is Communication and Collaboration that occurs by letting students collaborate and communicate during individual or group projects, assignments, games, and presentations. Students can also collaborate through a variety of applications and programs to help complete assignments and communicate with each other. Students can communicate with other students around the world to complete assignments, such as interviews, compete in interactive games, or even collaborate to complete assignments together. Educators’ possibilities with using smart technology and integrating the various types of applications within lesson plans are endless. Educators have the opportunity to create a collaborative and interactive environment by using technology, such as smart applications, that will increase student engagement and help increase the control they feel over their education and learning.              

References

Harmon, J. (2012). Unlock literacy with iPads. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39(8),

            30-31.