iPad+Class

 Assignment One: iPad articles

**1: "How will the iPad change Education?" by Rob Reynolds**  In this article Rob Reynolds examines the benefits of using iPads in schools to promote 21st Century Learning. The iPad could ultimately replace textbooks, which would be environmentally friendly and would prevent students from using out of date materials. Publishers could charge a "rental" fee rather than having districts purchase costly textbooks. Students would have the ability to participate in class work anywhere and at any time because of the iPad's mobility. The iPad is versatile and supports various functions that other forms of technology do not. In the long run iPads are more affordable than purchasing costly textbooks. They promote productivity by providing more resources and tools at the fingertips of students. The iPad allows students to stay connected with the global community and with their fellow classmates outside of the classroom setting. The iPad can be a great tool for schools to be looking at. Reynolds, R. (2010, January 27). How will the iPad change education? PBS TeacherLine. Retrieved from: []

**2: "Measuring the iPad's Potential for Education" by Bridget McCrea** In this article Bridgett McCrea discusses the possibilities of the iPad in the classroom. She provides mixed views. K-12 teachers seem to be excited about the way iPads will be able to connect with students. McCrea reminds us that children are technology savvy and are able to pick up a new device and are not scared to use it. Teachers are excited about the iPad's potential to change education because of its portability and eBook availability. Internet usage will change as the iPad provides access anytime and anywhere. The article touched on the issue that school districts continue to face. How do they affordably bring this technology into the classrooms? I believe that the advantages of putting the iPad in the hands of students outweigh the cost. McCrea, B. (2010). Measuring the iPad's potential for education. //The Journal.// Retrieved from : [|//http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/01/27/measuring-the-ipads-potential-for-education.aspx//]

**3. iPad 2 in kindergarten classrooms: A good idea? By Samantha Murphy** In this article Samantha Murphy takes a closer look at the pros and cons of kindergarten classrooms that are using iPad2 with their students. Specifically she is talking about a school district in Auburn, Maine where they gave their 285 kindergarten students their very own iPad2. The school district’s goal is to increase the literacy rates from 62 percent to 90 percent. There are some critics saying putting these iPads in the hands of kindergartners is not developmentally appropriate. Critics are also saying that schools shouldn't be investing a large sum of money, especially amid budget cuts that could take away teacher instruction. However supporters of putting iPads in the hands of kindergartners say that these devices help special education students, speech students, and other learning challenges. Also, iPads help grow fine motor skills and do not have to worry about moving a mouse on a traditional computer. The child’s focus can be on the task at hand and not on using the hardware. I personally believe that there are many more benefits than negatives to the iPad in the kindergarten classroom and would love to see them in my classroom. Murphy, S. (2011). iPad 2 in Kindergarten Classrooms: A Good Idea?. //The Christian Science Monitor.// Retrieved from: []

4. **California school first to use iPads in classroom by Donna Jones** Author Donna Jones introduces her readers to one of the first classrooms in California to replace textbooks with iPads. At Monte Vista Christian School, students in the advanced placement classes were given iPads as a part of a pilot project. Administrators are hoping that iPads will soon replace heavy and expensive textbooks. Many of the instructors at this school are new to iPads but are quickly learning ways for their subject areas to become more exciting and more approachable to the students. Some examples of this are an English teacher shows students how to look up meanings and pronunciations to Shakespeare’s The Tempest and a Science teacher shows an interactive cutaway of the human body. The school is realizing the up to date information that their students are receiving. Students strongly like the iPads use of apps for classroom work, such as creating graphs and recording lectures in case there was something missed. Jones, D. (2010). California School First to use iPads in Classroom. Retrived from: []

**5. Special needs students get help from iPads by Elissa Dickey** Elissa Dickey tells her readers about speech pathologist Beth Peschong who uses iPads with her students. She knew that she was onto a good thing when her preschool student who had difficulty concentrating did not want to stop using it. Peschong reminds us that iPads do not replace traditional speech therapy but supplements it. Students who have difficulty “finding their voice” or have the ability to communicate, such as many autistic students, now have that option through the iPad. iPads plus the communication app are about $800 compared to the $5,000-$7,000 cost of the traditional communication devices. Dickey, E. (18 September 2011). Special Needs Students Get Help From iPads. //Aberdeen News//. Retrieved from: []

**6.** **Technology a ‘game changer’ in classrooms by Ashley Rhodebeck** Ashley Rhodebeck takes closer looks at how technology devices are changing the ways teachers are presenting information to their students. She lists a number of school districts that are purchasing laptops, netbooks, iPods, and iPads for their students. Rhodebeck talked to Kris who is an assistant principal at Harter Middle School. Weiss recently got his Masters in Insturctional Technology, says “teachers must modify the delivery of their lessons because children’s brains function differently than how they did generations ago. The stimulus must almost be constant because that is what their brains are used to.” Rhodebeck also discovers that many teachers are now able to reach a variety students with various learning styles because of the technology devices that are in use. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Rhodebeck, A. (23, September 2011). Technology a ‘Game Changer” in Classrooms. //Kane County Chronicle.// Retrieved from: []

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">**7. Is the iPad a Child’s Best Friend? by Warren Buckleitner** <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">In this article, Warren Buckleitner takes a closer look at the iPad and how children are able to use it. He makes an argument that the iPad is actually a great toy for children. He gives six reasons why he considers the iPad a toy. Reason one being is that the tablet is a great game controller for young children. Instead of having to move a game controller, the child just needs to use their fingers to make the objects move. Another reason is that the software for the iPad is relatively inexpensive and there are a variety of topics all at great developmental levels. Bukleitner goes on to explain that there is a joy in eBooks as well as the long battery life which can be great for long car rides and waiting room visits. By all of his reasons, one can see why Mr. Bukleitner considers an iPad a great toy for children. <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">Buckleitner, W. (30, January 2010). Is the iPad a Child’s Best Friend?. //New York Times// Retrieved from: []