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.