Caleb Nabower EDU 636 Article Review

The article I read, titled "Technology Integration for Elementary Students", was a primer in how to effectively integrate technology for student use. The site collects a variety of tips from a technology integration specialist. The goal here is to alleviate the way teachers typically throw in technology haphazardly. Giving kids a computer and saying "use this to find information" is not as effective as guiding them into the use.
Some examples of the tips involve maintaining academic rigor when using technology, easing students into independence, and give them sites to use. By doing this, the specialist says that students will have a better grasp of how to use technology, and as a teacher you will be able to more effectively integrate them into a lesson.

This article, while somewhat basic, serves great as a primer for tech use. Often times as teachers, we are either reluctant to use technology, or we use it in a manner that is more representative in an adult manner. While we often think that students "grow up" with technology, that often times is either false or the manner in which they grew up with it was more of an entertainment perspective. I find that my students are very adept at finding and playing games, but have severe troubles when it comes to starting a word document. Given the wider breadth of technology available in most districts, effectively using it is a must.
My favorite tip was that concerning "gradually give kids more independence." This essentially assumes kids come into a lesson involving technology with no/limited knowledge. Guide them through step by step, have them try, and repeat this, taking away a little at a time. Eventually, students will become independent in their ability to use technology, and this will enrich lessons that much more by not having to worry at all about the tech, and more focus can be placed upon the content.

Shawna Bertrand EDU 636 Technology ONLINE Tech Article Review: "Self-Destructing Tech Gadgets" -CNN

Shawna Bertrand

Assignment 7 Part Two

Blog Review: "Self-Destructing Tech Gadgets Article" -CNN

Article Link:
http://techland.time.com/2013/07/16/researchers-are-working-on-self-destructing-gadgets/

I came across the above article while searching for an interesting article topic to post for this assignment. Sure enough, I was lucky to discover this "gem" of an article. The topic of the article says it all with “Researchers Are Working On Self-Destructing Gadgets,” a title that quickly conjures up mental images of a suited up Mission Impossible character throwing out a top secret spy gadget just as it self-destructs into smithereens. This is precisely the mental image I found myself imaging as I reviewed this article for this blog post. It is yet another example of the extreme lengths that technology developers will go to in order to design and mass market the next big ticket item, or hot commodity of the year, for equally massive profit and notoriety. The product developers have big plans for biodegradable tech products, but the spy-style detonations may be left to the movies and covert military technology.

This article shares that the new technology being developed is water-soluble versions of circuit board components found in many cell phones and other small tech gadgets. The intention is to design innovative tech products that are able to dissolve when exposed to water, or that detonates when the product has reached the end of its lifespan. This is also referred to as the concept of products being “born to die.” The hope is that researchers can successfully create technological gadgets that dissipate at lifespan’s end, thus eliminating more toxic waste. Developers argue that these products will make a positive impact on the amount of electronics and gadgets that wind up in landfills.

I feel as though these innovative ideas are the way of the future, and have likely been used in varied forms by military and government unbeknownst to the general public’s awareness for some time. These products ultimately provide insight into the direction that technology will assume in the years ahead, as well as the focus the World is giving to environmental responsibility. These products hold the potential for future corporations to design and produce “green” tech products and materials that are both consumer and environmentally friendly.

I think this article could be used in the classroom as an adaptive topic or tool for incorporating their experiences in the very technologically-advanced world they live in, while making references to the aspects and content of environmentalism. I also think that the students could have fun developing their own mock “green” tech gadgets or gizmos to share with their peers. This not only reinforces their connection and responsibility to their planet, but sparks interest and relates them to things that they are very familiar with and are part of their culture.

Cautious Optimism on Technology in the Classroom- Alex Cerny

I read Catching on at last: New technology is poised to disrupt America’s schools, and then the world’s from The Economist. This article discusses the issues with the implementation of technology in the classroom. It states that technology use is beneficial but especially so when how it is used is considered. The new technologies allow teachers to better understand how students learn and provides them with endless data. The issue becomes what to do with all the data and how to protect it. An additional concern is that these technologies maybe reserved for only the wealthy, when it is the lower income schools that could benefit from it the most.

http://www.economist.com/news/briefing/21580136-new-technology-poised-disrupt-americas-schools-and-then-worlds-catching-last

Want to Amplify Student Voice? Write a Book Together

http://www.edutopia.org/blog/amplify-student-voice-write-book-together-suze-boss

I found this article through my Twitter feed from Edutopia.  I thought it was an interesting way to combine both technology and language arts into one big project.  I teach writing to 7th and 8th graders, and this type of project would allow for all sorts of writing tasks.  I like that the kids are coming up with ways to incorporate technology into the classroom.  I think kids have such a wide technology knowledge-base, so it is good to have them provide ideas on how to incorporate it into the classroom.  I also see this as a great way to show kids that they can do anything they put their minds to.  I have used the Freedom Writer's Diary in the past, which is another book written by a teacher and her students.  It shows the kids that anyone can write a book if they just put forward the effort needed.  I also think sometimes it is more meaningful to kids to read what other kids have accomplished, showing them that it can be done.

In Classroom of Future, Stagnant Scores

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/04/technology/technology-in-schools-faces-questions-on-value.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

This is an article discussing the caution we should take as we bring technology into the classroom.  The word itself--technology--has become a bit of a buzzword in the education realm.  Everything associated with that word seems to be positive, except for the results.  While I am a strong supporter of practical technology (such as I've been introduced to in this class), I do believe a lot of money is wasted on useless or unproven technology at the expense of teachers.

If we consider, for a second, that this class may very well be the one and only technology class we take at the collegiate level (as it is for me), the idea that we should somehow transfer into technological experts is sort of an absurdity.  We have a computer app teacher at the school I'll be teaching at, and she's excellent.  My expertise will be in teaching English.  While there will definitely be some incorporation of technology into my classroom (especially from the lessons I've done in this class), it will not be the center point of the educational experience itself in my classroom.  It is a tool, which is what this class promotes.  However, when technology becomes the focus, that's when we see learning decrease.

Widespread, we are seeing technology budgets for schools grow while the rest of the school budgets shrink.  We are seeing teachers being laid off while technological advances continue to increase.  The article insinuates the roots of our modern technological push date back to a 1997 meeting held by President Clinton with some of the top technological minds in the country.  At this meeting, it was urged that billions would be funded to increase technology in the classroom.  At the end of the meeting, however, the report's final sentence read: “The panel does not, however, recommend that the deployment of technology within America’s schools be deferred pending the completion of such research.”

Our problem, as a nation, is that we have yet to see any conclusive results of this research.  The idea of a technological push has good morals behind it for the most part, I believe.  It's sort of like No Child Left Behind in a way.  I like it when government focuses on education.  However, teachers are the ones who are experts on education, and they are rarely consulted in these matters.    

Unfortunately (and this is unfortunate), because of No Child Left Behind (etc.), we have limited ourselves to one single way of measuring the growth of our students' learning, and that is through the standardized test.  Nationwide, test scores have remained virtually the same since this program began.  The infusion of technology has done next to nothing to improve it.  But is that the focus?  Should that be the goal?  Karen Cator of the USDE doesn't seem to think so: “Test scores are the same, but look at all the other things students are doing: learning to use the Internet to research, learning to organize their work, learning to use professional writing tools, learning to collaborate with others.”

This is a valid point, although it might be a bit presumptuous to assume that the learning they are experiencing is the result of school and not prior knowledge.  After all, technology is increasing at a rate exponentially faster than at any other time in human history.  Most students in schools have now spend their entire lives with digital media.  

The debate rages on.

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/articles/2013/03/01/the-education-technology-revolution-is-coming

Reflection

The article I chose is about how schools need to be willing to accept technology in the classroom or risk being left behind. There is no doubt about how technology is really controlling our everyday lives. Whether its facebook, twitter, smart phones, or just checking email people use technology everyday. The article compares what's going on now to the dot com era during the 90's. To me, technology needs to be embraced in the classroom and used when possible. I really don't believe that technology will take over the everyday discussion and hard copy books that we use but rather will be a key resource to use. Whether it's using kindle or Ipads to engage students, active learning is the best tool a teacher can use. The article mentions this and I believe it's a huge tool to use. At my first school I taught at we were one to one with computers. In my opinion, I really thought this was a great way to engage students. I had online assignments, I posted discussion blogs, and I even made power points of the day's lesson available to the students. As we prepare our kids for college and being able to take care of themselves I believe using technology at a young age is a good way to ensure that this happens.

A Swiveling Proxy That Will Even Wear a Tutu

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/08/education/for-homebound-students-a-robot-proxy-in-the-classroom.html?smid=tw-share&_r=0

In this article, the author discusses how a robot called VGo makes it possible for children with rare conditions or long-term illnesses to continue to participate in their typical school setting. The robot allows students to see what is going on in the classroom as well as flash a light to interact with the teacher and students. The robot has been used in several schools and the feedback has been very positive. The only drawback to the robot is the uncertainty of internet connection. Just like all technology, the robot has times where it isn't reliable to do the job it was made to do.

I really like this piece of technology and I think it would be great to see more schools using it. The article discusses that some schools buy the technology and some families raise the money through fundraisers to purchase on their own. I think it would be great to get more government funding in schools for technology such as this to assist the families of the children who benefit from the VGo. I think it is great that the children still receive the communication and interaction with their teachers and peers, instead of having homework sent home and getting very little interaction.

Technology Helps Special Education Students Find Their Voice

Technology Helps Special Education Students Find Their Voice

 "At Ashley Elementary School, a fifth grade student sits at lunch, talking with friends and using an iPad. He looks like any other student his age. He fits in. But there is something different. The special education student has challenges communicating due to autism."

This article shows how technology, mainly IPads, have positive impact on special education students not only educationally but socially and verbally as well.  IPads allow students to be apart of the crowd, to fit in, and to communicate effectively.  This technology allows students to be a part of the class and even the world instead of being an outsider because they are unable to communicate.  Students who were non-verbal used to be taught sign-language, however, when they would go out into the classroom or even out into the public they were unable to communicate because very few individuals know and understand Sign Language. 

My favorite part about this article is how it showed how IPads take away some of the students' disabilities and allowed them to be typical for just a little bit in some way.

This article hit very close to home for me because this past year I had the amazing opportunity to work with a student with Autism who was low verbal.  We used the IPad a lot and he loved every minute of it!  We were able to work on social skills, create stories about his new school (he was a 6th grader and heading to the high school for this next school year), watch his favorite music videos, watch tornado videos (his favorite movie is Twister), work on math, reading, and spelling.  It was very engaging for him and he loved when we worked on it.

Not only did I use my IPad for him but for also my other students.  It has so many engaging educational apps that my math students loved being able to work on it when it was their turn.  I was also able to put their spelling lists on one of the apps and the kids worked on spelling words (for some reason practicing spelling is much more fun on an IPad than on paper).  There are a million ways to incorporate an IPad within any classroom as long as the teacher is willing to take the time and figure everything out!  Technology engages students - use it to your advantage!!

   

"How Educators And Special Needs Students Are Using iPads In The Classroom”

http://www.howtolearn.com/2012/04/how-educators-and-special-needs-students-are-using-ipads-in-the-classroom

For my technology article review I chose “How Educators And Special Needs Students Are Using iPads In The Classroom” from HowToLearn.com by Mari Jane Williamsast year my school went one-to-one with iPads for grades five through twelve.  Being that we were one of the first schools in our area to do this many of our teachers felt very overwhelmed.  This article spoke of several schools throughout the country and how they are using the iPad to better education for special needs students.  From video interviews with scholars to being able to video chat teachers during their plan periods, the interactive tablets are greatly enhancing the initiative of students.

Even though this article was focusing on meeting the demands of special needs students, I found two reasons how this article could aid me in my classroom next year.  First, the assistance that the special needs students are receiving from the iPads could be very beneficial to other students as well.  The article talked about how iPads have increased a teacher’s capability to give instant feedback to their students, an attribute that all students I am sure would love.  Secondly, over the last few years more and more special needs students are being infused into the regular classroom.  Some educators are relying more and more on paraeducators for assistance.  iPads are allowing teachers to lessen their dependency on paras by increasing the capability to provide more direct instruction to all students, but most especially the special needs student, who will often silence their need for clarity due to a less than positive social stigma.

http://www.pelinks4u.org/articles/lleightNichols_1011.htm

Summary
This article details the different types of iPads and how they can be used in schools.  There are lots of apps that do not require wi-fi, but there are many others that do, so make sure you do your homework and figure out what type of connection will work best for you in your setting.  The iPad also comes preloaded with an app for YouTube, iTunes, App Store, Videos, Photos, Notes, Maps, iPod (music, tv shows, movies, podcasts, etc.) and Safari (Apple’s web browser).  After some more brief information regarding iPads the article goes into apps and ways they can be used in PE class.  Some fitness apps they discussed with some brief detail are 1 - Fitness Class (free app) allows teacher to stream workout videos with over 230 routines to choose from.  It can be put through a project or SmartBoard for class to see. 2 - Fitness Free HD - Again over 300 exercises with photos and instructions on how to perform exercise.  It also provides exercises that'll work certain body parts.  3- HITT Timer which is an app that allows you to create time intervals for stations, fitness run, etc.  This article has great detail on apps to be used in the "special" classes - PE, music, and art.

Reflection
Our school is looking at turning over to 1:1 with iPad in the next few years.  It's an exciting time bringing technology into our school, but finding ways to use it in Physical Education was initially a difficult thing to do.  After reading this article and partaking in a webinar on iPads in PE, I'm very excited to use this device in our class.  As you can see, there are many, many apps that tie physical fitness and iPads together.  As the students are able to see these apps, they can use them outside of the class and possible on their own iPhones or iPads.  This is a new way to teach physical education and it'd be a greater motivator to engage students for years to come. 

The Single iPad Classroom

http://elementaryedtech.wordpress.com/2012/04/11/the-single-ipad-classroom/

When asked to select an online article on technology, I asked myself "where do I begin searching?" There are so many different types of technology applications and websites out there to post about. Last week I took an assessment course and during one of our discussion days, she brought up the fact that her school is moving to one to one iPads in the classroom. Their textbooks are on the students' iPads, etc. She made several comments about the organization and school management being horrible and that kids are taking advantage of these iPads to a completely new level. I decided that this would be a great way for me to narrow down my search.

I found brief article on single iPads in the classroom and not one to one iPads. This article hit on a few points. Points such as sharing what you have on your iPad and how you share it to the class while teaching. Some teachers share it by passing it around (shocked me because that would take so much time) gathering into a circle to look at it, doc camera, or project with dongle or belkin switch. When only being able to have one iPad in the classroom you need to make sure there is a sense of organization when determining which students get the iPad and when. Some teachers use sticks, same groups during the week, centers, and even just taking turns. Another topic that was hit during this article was keeping students on task during specific time and making sure that they stay stay on the app when asked.  Monitoring, previewing, and modeling were the top three that teachers used. A lot of them also mentioned honest which is very powerful. Once a student misuses it, it's no longer in their hands, simple as that.

I enjoyed this article because previously was informed about how schools are now going one to one iPads in the classroom, but yet I know some schools are still just using the one iPad. Regardless, students are able use this technology as a learning tool which is the most important part in my eyes.

A Tablet Computer For Young Children? Exploring It's Viablitily For Early Childhood Education

Article: A Tablet Computer For Young Children? Exploring It's Viablitily For Early Childhood Education

Authors: Leslie Couse & Dora Chen

Link: http://dawnbennett.wiki.westga.edu/file/view/a+tablet+computer+for+young+children.pdf

Review:

Within the article Couse and Chen discuss the positive effects of 1 to 1 tablet computer use in the early childhood classroom. They study a total of 41 three to six year old's and observe how they interact in a classroom that is using tablets on an individual level. The article reflected on their experiment or 'study' findings. Their research findings showed that tablets effectively increased students attention and still allowed for pre-writing skills to develop. The authors shared the point that with the level of technology we have today in our world using tablets to 'draw' (with touch screens, etc) is a completely appropriate way for educators to provide pre-writing skill practice.

Reflection:

I found this article very interesting. I definitely can relate and imagine how the 41 students engagement in their classroom did increase when the tablets started being used. I appreciated how the authors did not down play the importance of coloring, painting, and other art forms. They made the point that tablet computers are effective in the room but the 'classics' (such as coloring, painting) still remain crucial to a child's pre-writing skills development. I believe whole heartedly that it is never all or nothing of something in education. In my current preschool classroom, I used two iPad's at a center daily but also have painting, coloring, cutting, etc. available daily as well. As an early childhood educator, I see my main role as providing opportunities for meaningful experiences to occur in my students lives. In other words, I lay the groundwork for them (having different things available) and they choose what to work with. It's a great way of giving young kids ownership of their learning from the get go! This article was comforting to me. Sometimes I hear negative things about introducing technology too early into a students education. This article affirmed my belief that technology is everywhere in today's world so it should also be in our preschool rooms and the belief that technology can be done in a way that is appropriate for young students.

Importance of Technology in the Classroom

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/importance-of-technology-in-the-classroom.html

Reflection:
This article highlighted the importance of using technology in the classroom and the many benefits it provides to students both now and in their future. One aspect teachers are always seeking to improve is active participation among students. When technology is being used in classrooms, student are active participants. This increases their depth of knowledge. The internet becomes "a kind of library which is at the disposal of the student with just a click". A student can easily acquire in-depth knowledge on any subject using the internet.

Another positive aspect of using technology in the classroom is it provides real-life work experience. Technology prepares a student to work in business organizations as well as many other professions. The teacher becomes a facilitator who sets goals and provides the necessary resources and guidelines for students to be successful on their task. The student then gets to make decisions about the information he wants to use and display. It also allows there to be a constant exchange of information between students and teachers.

I thought one of the most important aspects of this article was that technology increases student motivation and helps their learning. It also reduces the drop-out rates in schools and gives students technical skills while developing an understanding of various computer tools and software. Even though many are reluctant to this type of change in education, I believe we are only providing more opportunities to our students by integrating technology into our classrooms.

Why Do We Need Technology Integration?

Article: Why Do We Need Technology Integration? 

Website: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-importance

Summary:

The article discussed how technology is becoming a major part of daily life and how most students have access to technology. On the other head students how do not have access to technology at home or outside of school, the use of technology in school is their only opportunity to interact with technology.

         This article discusses some of the benefits of incorporating technology into the classroom. The first benefit of technology is that the students are able to become creators and critics and not just viewers. Another benefit of technology is that students could learn personal and social responsibility, planning, critical thinking, reasoning, and creativity, communication skills, decision-making, and the knowledge of how and when to use technology. These are all skills the students will need to have to be successful members of society after school.

         It is discussed how technology will improve the students educational experience the most when it includes active engagement, participation in groups, frequent feedback, and connection to real-world experts. Finally, the article discussed how technology allows the students to take responsibility for their learning while the teacher becomes the facilitator.

Reflection: 

         I agree that technology is the becoming a larger part of daily life. Most of my students have their own cell phone, i-pod, or/and an i-pad. They use their technology for entertainment, education, and communication. Not only do students have constant access but also teachers. Teachers not only use technology for their own personal lives but also for school. My grades, attendance, lesson plans, and communication at school are completed using technology.

         I agree that technology can definitely teach students skills that are beneficial in society. Using technology can teach students to take responsible for their learning because the teacher is just a facilitator and the students are required to do the learning. I like using technology because it allows the students to be creators and critics. They are able to create their own works and critic other students’ works.

         I have done research for other classes and projects about the most sought after skills employers look for. None of those top skills included school subjects but more so the skills that students can learn from technology and projects. I think these are also skills that teachers need to try to incorporate into their lessons or activities because they are the skills that will help make the students a successful member of society.

          I think that technology is becoming a major part of our students' lives and the educational field could benefit from its use. I wish that my school district was able to incorporate more technology because we only have two stationary computer labs to share amongst the junior high and high school classes. The only form of technology available to use in my classroom is an LCD projector which makes it difficult to incorporate technology when it is not easily accessible. 

eBooks and iPads and Apps oh my!

Article Citation: Williams, H., and German, L.  .  eBooks and iPads and Apps oh my!  Seen Magazine.  15 Nov. 2012.  Web. 5 Apr. 2013.  Retrieved from http://www.seenmagazine.us/articles/article-detail/articleid/2570/ebooks-and-ipads-and-apps-oh-my.aspx

Summary:  I read the article “eBooks and iPads and Apps oh my!”  Teachers have to adapt their teaching, due to the fact students are growing up in a digital age. 

Many teachers today are using iPads in their classrooms that are loaded with apps to make teaching activities interactive and fun.  According to Doug Cooper, the updates and apps are fairly easy and inexpensive when compared with the effort and costs of sifting through multiple editions of textbooks.  eBooks are also being used in classrooms.  eBooks contain ready-made activities and quizzes for teachers, which uses cross-curricular methods, and are also aligned to common core standards. 

According to the article, when implementing tablet technology in the classroom, teachers are able to include more cross-curricular learning and tailor their lesson plans to fit the needs of individual students.  When using iPads, tablets, or computers in the classroom, there is the potential for differentiated instruction down to the individual student level and within each discipline.  Each child could be encouraged to learn and advance at their own pace and according to the article, this would be a tremendous potential for both our struggling and advanced learners. 

Reflection:  I do not have eBooks, iPads, or iPods in my first grade classroom, but this article made me think about the benefits of using these forms of technology in my classroom.  Tablet technology would be very useful in the classroom because information is effortless and endless.  I agree with the article that teachers would have more freedom using eBooks, iPads, or iPods in the classroom.  Using these forms of technology, I would be able to individualize lesson plans, challenge students within their own skill sets, better keep students engaged, and help them learn at their own pace.  I also agree with the article in that traditional teaching methods are still very effective, as well as reading from a book and completing hands-on science and math activities.  These skills are needed in society, college, and future work experiences.   

After reading the article, I am considering asking my school board if I could get at least a few iPads for my classroom.  I would use iPads to teach all subject areas.  One way my students could use on iPad is to search for information, images, etc. on a certain topic or subject.  This allows students to dive deeper into a topic or subject.  The enormous number applications on iPads would make learning more interactive and fun for students.  Well-developed apps on iPads would also engage, motivate and inspire learning in my classroom.  When used effectively, students’ knowledge would increase.    

Technology to the Classroom

Site: Harvard Gazette
Author: Colleen Walsh
Title of Article: Technology to the classroom
Friday, February 15, 2013
URL: news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2013/02/technology-to-the-classroom/

Review of the Article: This article focuses on a technology sessions that was held at Harvard this January. This was an intensive session that allowed students and teachers to collaborate while learning about different technologies. This article emphasized the importance of technology enhancement for all people. It noted that in our continually growing technological world, it is critical that students in our graduate programs continue to enhance their knowledge and skills. The turn out from this session was extremely positive, and many students gave feedback and suggestions to how the session could continue to improve. Harvard plans on continuing similar sessions in the future.

Are iPads and Other Classroom Gadgets Really Helping Kids Learn?

By Peg Tyre
http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/01/31/ipads-education-gadgets-really-helping-kids-learn

Author Peg Tyre discusses the use of ipads and other gadgets in the classroom in this article.  It is very interesting because there is such a big push for technology use in the classroom so I can totally relate. She gives examples of how schools across the country are using technology to supplement education and replace textbooks.  The idea is to make education more streamlined, targeted, and efficient.  Rather than offer AP courses, online classes can serve students the same purpose.  Some schools are actually hiring fewer teachers and using those funds to pay for more technology.  Students seem engaged and motivated by all of the technology.

However, there is a flip side to this equation.  According to Lee Wilson, once you consider the training, network costs, and software costs, iPads cost the schools districts nearly 552 percent more than textbooks. Also in the end, iPads are not used as much as one would think throughout the school day.  The daily teacher/student face to face contact is taking up as much if not more of the student's learning time.   So I think that it is important to remember how vital this time is.

Reflecting on the article has lead me to this conclusion.  I think that iPads are a great tool to use in the classroom because they help keep students current with technology, motivated to learn, and excited because there are always new apps and games to learn from.  However, I don't think anything can replace the face to face contact that students get with their teachers.  After taking both online and regular classes, I prefer to go to class and develop a relationship with my teacher.  I think it holds me much more accountable and motivates me to do better.  However, I do feel that there is a need for technolgy in the classroom as well, it just needs to be in a good balance.

Article Reflection--Pam Krambeck

Article Citation:  Johnson, Ben. "How the IPad Can Transform Classroom Learning." Edutopia. The George Lucas Foundation, 9 July 2012. Web. 21 Mar. 2013.

Summary:  Ben Johnson is a high school principal from a school with plans to implement a 1-2-1 iPad program with students. In the article, he shares his views on how iPads can impact learning and how it might look different than the integration of laptops or desktop computers.  

The focus of the article "How the iPad Can Transform Classroom Learning" is on the personal, mobile use of the iPad and how it makes learning an individual experience.  In one of the examples shared, the author gives a scenario of walking students through a web site on a laptop going to the same site, walking through the same steps and completing the same activity.  His hope for the future with iPads is one that includes putting a personal device in the hands of the students loaded with tools that they can self-select to accomplish a learning task.  The students might be watching a video clip, going to iTunesU or exploring additional resources, as well as, sketching on a drawing app or creating a presentation in Prezi. 

The author shares that the teacher's role will evolve and they will be facilitators and observers in the classroom documenting student learning with video clips, pictures and discussions.  Getting teachers involved in the shift to mobile devices was touched upon in the article including addressing concerns about students playing games and using iPads in non-productive activities.  

Reflection:  The author gave some great examples of how the iPad might be used in the school setting, but many of the examples that were shared could also be completed with laptop computers equipped with multimedia tools, microphones, webcams and creativity applications.  I agree with the author on the unique relationship (that is the best word I can think of) that a student forms when given their own personal iPad for use in the classroom.  The tactile experience of using an iPad along with the limited number of buttons and screens to navigate make the user experience very intuitive.  The focus moves away from which button to press and how to navigate the program and more toward finding a set of apps (hopefully free ones) that will allow students to get at the information needed, communicate their learning, and explore the topic beyond the textbook.  Teachers have always instructed by giving students a set of tools, a learning task and a target. The difference with technology (laptops or iPads) is that educators give up the role of information delivery and become the facilitator and guide to learning discovery by the student. I see the iPad as a tool that simplifies the task of putting together resources for students and teaching them how to use a number of programs or multimedia tools.  With the iPad students spend time learning about the topic rather than learning to use the device.

Putting the iPad to Work in Elementary Classrooms

Website:

 http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/07/11/putting-the-ipad-to-work-in-elementary-classrooms.aspx
By Peter Levy


I have been contemplating the use of iPads in my classroom since I got one this past summer. I initially got my Ipad for personal use; however, quickly began downloading apps that I could possibly use in my classroom. The article simply summarized my feelings that iPads should be incorporated through the classroom. 

The article describes how Camilla, Instructional Technology Coordinator at Arlington, initially used ipads strictly for students with disabilities. I also agreed that ipads would help these students greatly. The article then goes on to talk about how the ipad should be used not only with students with disabilities but every student!

Students are quickly engaged into the topics presented on the ipad. Students are creating unique projects that they are able to post and share with a swipe of a finger and lightening fast speed. 

I only wish my school had the funds to provide my room with ipads. My teaching partner recently received ipods which I feel are just as useful and could be used in the same ways that the article mentions. 

Technology Integration for Elementary Schools

http://www.edutopia.org/stw-differentiated-instruction-technology-integration

The article I chose was, Technology Integration for Elementary Schools. This article was a good article in that it gave examples over technology tools and ways that you can use them.

I liked how this article states that technology should enhance the content and not the other way around.  Technology should not be served as a time filler. If it is, then technology becomes less effective. Students need to be able to use technology in the classroom, not just the teacher. Students need to use these tools so that they become more familiar with them and less intimidated by them. This article gives so many examples on how these tools can be used in the classroom for students and teachers. For example students can use clickers,video cameras, computers, and mobile devices to create a variety of projects. For teachers, they can use the clickers to see if students are understanding the material that is being taught right away and also use this data for grades and for the other tools they can monitor each child's work and the progress they are making or not making.

Another idea that I liked was sharing students work with others. This is encouraging and a self-esteem booster to students. By using technology, sharing work with others in the building will be easy to do and be able to be shown again and again. By sharing students work, this may encourage other kids to try technology out and maybe even spark some ideas in another teacher to try.

The last bit of this article made me smile! As a teacher I have experienced worrying about students dropping or being destructive with technology tools to frustration when technology does not work and I am left to scramble to find something else to do. The last bit of this article tells us teachers to relax and have a backup plan. If we portray to our students that we our comfortable with technology, even when it decides not to work, and that we are eager to try new things, this will help encourage our students to try new things for themselves and even if they don't work, to keep trying!

Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students

A Research Project Sponsored by the Office of Educational Research and Improvement
U.S. Department of Education
Conducted by SRI International

Title of Article:  Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students

URL:  http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html

I read “Effects of Technology on Classrooms and Students”.  In this article there were 7 key points that were discussed.  Change in Student and Teacher Roles, Increased motivation and Self Esteem, Technical Skills, Accomplishment of More Complex Tasks, More Collaboration with Peers, Increased Use of outside Resources and Improved Design Skills/Attention to Audience. 

This article discussed how students are more engaged and have an active role when they can use technology.  The teachers roll changes to being more of a facilitator instead of just an instructor.  With the teacher being the facilitator he or she has more time to help support and have conversations with students about their learning.  This piece of research also states that students of all ages are eager to complete tasks that they would normally struggle with if they were not using technology.  By allowing students to use expensive tools such as computers and iPods,. teachers are showing students that they are valued and so is their effort to learn.  It is also mentioned that students are more aware of their audience when using technology.  Students have an active choice in how they want their project to look.  However if the teacher is not careful students can get so wrapped up in how the project is looking (font, color, etc..) that they pay less attention to the content of the project. 

Reflection:  I agree with everything this article is saying.  I have seen reluctant and developing readers be more engaged when they have a technology tool that will help assist them in their reading.  Some of the games students can play with makes them not even realize they are practicing a math skill or practicing their spelling.  Technology is a “must have” in today’s classroom.    Everyone needs to come to terms with the fact that this generation of students thrive on using technology.  If teachers do not give students technology to enhance their learning they are going to lose their students focus and desire. This could potentially minimize their students future success.