In my last blog, I went over varying uses of iPads, this blog seeks to showcase varying perspectives on their usage. I will examine parental, child and educators viewpoints.
1. Parents: Many parental perspectives were largely positive in the interview I read but some criticisms were present. On the positive side, parents made comments about how the iPad is more motivational for their kids; they said it encourages collaboration and communication with peers; they stated students are more willing to share their projects with them; and there is often greater student independence when they are using an iPad. On the other hand, the parental criticisms included an increasing amount of arguments over usage time; it sometimes is harder for students to check answers as compared to using a textbook, students emailed their parents during the school day with it and sometimes they said the amount of time a child spent on an iPad project was too long.
Children:
I focused on an individual child, Carly Fleishman for a young person's perspective on iPads. She was featured in a "Medical Mysteries" video and it showed her journey to becoming able to communicate with using similar technology. While she did not specifically focus on usage of an iPad, her progress clearly showed the potential benefits of it as a communication device. Carly who cannot speak was thought to be
mentally challenged; once she began to type it was clear she has an agile and
capable mind. Her story clearly
demonstrated the positives of assistive technology. As a communication tool it could be an amazing
opener to children of all abilities and it's portability and versatility are surely impressive. On a side note, I watched a second video called "Carly's Cafe". Carly and her dad made it and it is eye-opening as she demonstrates how an autistic person sees the world. It clearly shows the struggles she has and thereby implies the relevance of AT. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmDGvquzn2k
Teachers: An interesting review in the LA Times, looked
at a Los Angeles' rollout of a $1 billion iPad program. Only 36% of the teachers strongly favored
continuing the program. Many cited problems
with the iPad curriculum, issues with connectivity, security concerns (many students
when receiving the iPad immediately removed the security controls), the storage of
information and issues even with signing on. These
results initially surprised me but on the other hand, it takes training to use
the iPad, not only as a tool, but also how to use the apps. Many of the teachers cited lack of training as
an impediment for using the device. It certainly appears there is still a lot of
work to do in this LA school district, in order for iPads to be deemed a
success.Despite many varying viewpoints: I believe iPads can play a relevant and important part in the high school. They are portable, able to access a great deal of information, and they are adaptable to students of varying abilities.
Sources:
Carly's Journey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4XMlhCfp3Q
Teachers: http://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-ipads-survey-20131202,0,2314290.story#axzz2uFxlwQpn
I am surprised at the results of the study you found from the LA times. Only 36% of teachers found the program useful? However, I do agree with you about training. Sometimes, as teachers, we are expected to be jacks of all trades, whereas we aren't - proper training to circumvent loopholes would go a long way.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't believe it either that more teachers were not in support of continuing the program in schools in LA! I wish my school would initiate such a program. It will be interesting to see what they decide to do after spending a billion dollars on the program.
ReplyDeleteI agree it is surprising the teachers were not more supportive of using iPads in the classroom. It seems everywhere we go today people are using iPads in stores and even doctor's offices. I know my school would be lost without them. We just get frustrated when the kids come back to school and discover their iPads haven't been charged and aren't ready to use for one on one therapy at 8 in the morning.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting post and I agree with the other comments. I am very surprised that teachers are against using iPads in the classroom. I do agree there needs to be proper training, because sometimes the students are better on these devices than I am. However, this generation is surrounding technology and we need to be able to relate to the students.
ReplyDeleteI actually was in a special ed. classroom today, and two students used iPads for communication. I am very surprised the percentage of teachers was so low like many other comments above. Training in using these devices is very key. I was a little confused on how to use some of the apps the students were using.
ReplyDelete