In one of my previous
post I shared how BYOD has positive and negative aspects when integrated into
the classroom learning. One of the BYOD technologies used in many schools are
iPads.
In this post, I would
like to share my personal reasons why and how using iPads in the classroom is a
benefited and great enhancement to learning. iPads provide numerous educational
apps and tools for student and teacher use.
Teachers can benefit
from using iPads for classroom management. Programs such as ClassDojo, is a great Elementary School
behavior management system as well as a parent communicator. Teachers directly
manage their class, and directly message parents through the app. One of the major benefits for teachers is the
interaction with students, by creating sharable documents and using classroom
spaces such as Edmodo or Google Classroom. Teachers who do not have
smartboards, can also benefit from the program called Doceri. Doceri is an interactive tool that allows the
teacher to connect directly to the computer to project the lesson or internet
site. The tool can write, underline, highlight, and take pictures. Teachers can
also pass the iPad around to students during a lesson and have them answer
directly on the iPad to reflect on the board.
As for students, the
advantages are limitless. Using the iPad, allows students to instantly connect
with curriculum and educational resources used in the classroom. In some
counties, the academic curriculum is available online. Students can access
their curriculum, study, and take tests. There are also countless educational
apps for extra reading and math practice. If students are done with their task,
they can use the iPad to practice their subject skills and stay on task.
Teachers and parents can collaborate and decide on what educational apps are
appropriate and beneficial. Students can
also use the iPad for accessing their classroom page, such as Edmodo, Wikispace,
or Google Classroom. They can create, share and collaborate with their peers.
Overall, iPads are one
of the technologies in the classroom I would support 100%. They are easy to
use, a time saver, and personalize to fit the needs of each individual learner.
In my last 3 years of teaching I’ve had the privilege of using iPads in my
classroom, and the accessibility is simply great! I love using them and would
recommend anyone who can, use them!
Here are some resources
to support the use of iPads in the classroom!
