Journal 9: First Graders with iPads



Getting, S., & Swainey, K. (2012). First graders with ipads?. Learning and Leading with Technology,40(1), 24-27. Retrieved from www.iste.org/Store/Product.aspx?ID=2515



 SUMMARY
Two grade school teachers set out on an adventure to see if iPad can help improve student scores.  It was a leap of faith on their part since this had not been done before and the learning had to be so structured to ensure that results are not skewed.  The main things they set out to achieve was how ipads can improve reading for a targeted group.   They incorporated digital skills into their teaching strategies.  At the end of the school year, students who have used ipad showed elevated average gains.  Several apps became the favorites.  For example, sight word recognition was a popular one with the students.  For fluency, they used the Talking Tom, and for comprehension they used Reading from A-Z.

 REFLECTION
This is such a thrilling story that needs to be told far and wide.  Whenever ipads come to mind, it is always in connection with playing games and not any educational use.  While pundits both pros and cons spin the information in their favor, I think it is time for us to see that every little gadget that is out there can have the potential to be used in education.  It is also high time we find a use for the cell phone in the classroom instead of trying to create laws to avoid and discourage its use.

Question: What do you think of the data used in this endeavor?
Answer:  The main thing to keep in mind is that the students' scores have improved.  It is the end and not the means that we need to focus on.  There will always be two sides of the story no matter who is telling it.
Question: What does this say to the other gadgets that are out there?
Answer: What is says is that we can devise all the gadgets that are out there and use them for educational purposes.  Cell phones is a good example.  We should forget about fighting the losing battle of "no cell phones in the classroom" and instead focus on how we can incorporate them in our teaching.    

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