iPad/ iPod, tablet

iPads/ tablets

There are a range of companies that make tablets. Tablets are essentially a small computer. The size and weight fall between cell phones and laptop computers. They provide students with a platform for audio-visual media including books, periodicals, movies, music, games, apps and web content.  Whilst they weren’t designed for the classroom specifically – recently there has been a huge development of educational applications which have meant that tablets are able to support hands-on learning that students find  engaging. The educational applications allow students to engage with content and learning in interactive and different ways.

We don’t want to be seen to be supporting one particular brand. Rather our focus is on how these ‘tablets’ can engage and support children with their learning.

One of these tablets is the iPad

To support teachers (and parents) with choosing high quality educational apps (applications) – go to this link  

http://www.vln.school.nz/groups/profile/26613/ipadipod-user-group     

This is a VLN (Virtual Learning Network) group that discusses iPad and iPod Touch use in an educational context.

Here is link to some of the many educational applications available to both schools and parents to support students with their learning. Our focus is not on ‘games’ but rather on learning.   http://www.apple.com/education/apps/

iPod touch

The iPod touch is smaller than the iPad but with many similar features. 

We see the educational benefits as:

At Silverstream School we see tablets/ iPads/ iPods as supporting;

•        Children to have more control over what they are learning and how they are learning. This helps with engagement which we believe helps with achievement
•        online teaching and learning platforms.  Some of the most innovative instructional software is being developed specifically for tablets and education
•        children can be the help-desk….not only are children eager to embrace new technology but many can troubleshoot and resolve computer issues faster than adults! 
•        different ways for children to connect with their learning – two or three can use a tablet at once – helping to teach and support each other’s learning
•        instant data collection – from the science experiments to the PE skills, students/ teachers are able to record observations in the classroom and on the court. This can easily be shared with parents and others
•        Environmental – eliminates a lot of the photocopying that happens in schools  

Aspects we need to be aware of and develop ideas and safety around:

• Gaming or learning. We want to ensure that our students are aware of what they are learning and that the tablet is just a tool  to support them with their learning (the tablet is not the focus)
• Online safe digital users. We will be continually working on developing ‘safe’ digital users. Students who are aware of safety issues and practise using online spaces safely. The school has a Computer Use agreement that is signed by all children and their families every year
• http://www.netsafe.org.nz/   This site provides advice for young people, parents and educators
• BYOD – Bring your own device (allowing children to bring their own ipads/ tablets etc. to school for learning). We want to explore the possibility of this in the future. There is a lot to discuss around this – equality, safety of gear at school etc. We will be talking to our community a lot about how this might work and how we can work through the challenges around this.