Is this the “greatest thing since sliced bread” or “is the apocalypse upon us?” School districts around the country seem intent upon digitizing the curriculum. Here is one such pursuit. Good idea or not?
I believe this is a great idea! Last year I engineered a 1:1 iPad program at my school. When we began the program our school canvassed students and parents to allow community feedback before moving towards a digital curriculum. The support from the community was overwhelming. Some parents even commented that they couldn’t believe it took this long to happen.
Our iPad program encourages students to become independent thinkers where learning does not stop when the bell rings. It puts a very powerful learning device into each of the student’s hands. There are many benefits to implementing a digital curriculum and iPad program, however it must be planned and executed properly.
Our school utilizes various software and methods to ensure the devices are constantly monitored and restricted. Students and parents have signed a contract and agreed to our terms and conditions. There are harsh penalties for any student found misusing or tampering with a device. While the Los Angeles Unified School District received a lot of bad press about their iPad rollout, I believe it was mainly because there was lack of communication with the community and also a lack of controls on the devices.
The benefits of such a program are that students can access real time data and information. They can access many educational apps and books. When using an iPad and iBooks students have the ability to define any term in the book with a tap of a finger. If students are taught to utilize this tool they could see a vast improvement in their vocabulary skills, which will help them on standardized tests such as the SAT as they compete to get into college. Using iBooks students can now highlight and annotate inside their textbooks. The iBooks have the ability to organize student highlights and notes into digital flash cards for review. These are just a few of the features a digital curriculum offer. For those worried about student distractions our teachers have the ability to lock students in a particular app/book and even see the battery charge for each student’s device.
Since my school began utilizing iPads there has been a vast improvement in student organization. Students can easily create, file, and retrieve notes, presentations, worksheets, and exams. There are virtually no excuses, even if they forget their iPad at home we can provide students with a loaner and they can still access all of their data which is stored in the cloud. Gone are the days of fifty pound backpacks, forgetting things in your locker, and/or dogs eating the homework.
I have to say that I love having an actual book in my hand. I find it enjoyable to sit down with a single book and physically turn the pages. I also love technology and I always have my phone nearby or my iPad.
As I was teaching the other day, I thought it would be awesome if I could deliver a document I mentioned in passing to iPads and have us briefly examine it. I hadn't planned on looking at the document, but a student asked a question and I thought "An iPad could fix this." I think iPads could greatly reduce the amount of paper I use, but I wonder about student reliance on the iPads when we still administer paper exams at the end of the year.
It sounds like Michael has developed a well thought out program. He addressed a lot of my concerns- misuse, distractions. I love the idea of a cloud. You could even use GoogleDocs to have students work on the same item at the same time. I think it is a great idea, but I am sure there are some issues that would come up. I would be curious to hear what issues or concerns Michael has because he has seen this on a larger scale than I can think of.
I wonder: Is there a software that allows the teacher to control what the students in their classroom see on their iPad? For example, can I control and make sure that we are all on the same page of a document?
Nearpod is a great application which allows teachers to control what the students are looking at on any mobile device. You would upload a document and share it with your students.
This year Mamaroneck High School launched a 1:1 iPad initiative. I thought it might be interesting for you to read what a student thinks about using this technology to facilitate his learning. The following was written by MHS freshman David Sollod.
The iPad Initiative Approximately 800 8th and 9th grade students now have iPads in Mamaroneck Schools. These iPads are meant to do several things to help the students throughout the school year. The iPads are a great way to keep work organized and allow students to have everything in one place, leveraging applications like Notability, Evernote, Homework (providing a calendar that can be customized), Overdrive, which provides access to certain books within the Mamaroneck High School Library, to name just a few. Teachers say that if you are organized, you will do well. The iPads help to improve organizational skills allowing note taking, browsing the web for information, and students having their homework as well as their notes readily available. A big reason students forget to do their homework is because they do not write it down and they forget what is assigned. With the iPads, students can easily write down homework in an application and set reminders when to do it enhancing organizational skills. The iPad fosters online research collaboration, and allows for greater communication both peer-to-peer and student-to-teacher. As Mamaroneck Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps said in his blog, “…we are hopeful that promoting a 1:1 learning environment will reinforce the 4 C's of 21st Century Skills: collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication.” The school has chosen the iPads for many reasons. With an interview with Mr. Cofino, IT Director for Mamaroneck High School he said, “the biggest reason was the iPads were used in Earth Science with last year’s 8th graders.” The students have experience with some of the specific applications that the student and teachers are already accustomed to using.
There are a few problems with these iPads however. Some say the iPads are unreliable and can erase all your data. Teachers and staff members are looking for ways to back up the iPads, and if students are worried about losing information, students can talk to one of the teachers and upload the data onto a personal drive. Another concern is the possibility of playing games exists on the iPads. Teachers cannot be sure if notes are being taken, or games are being played because they cannot be constantly walking around to check each student’s iPad. This can be a serious problem if students are playing games instead of paying attention in class, as they will do poorly on exams. If students are more engaged in class, they will not be playing games. Without the iPads there are always distractions. A student without an iPad can daydream, pass notes, or just stare at some of those posters around the classrooms. There will always be distractions, therefore the only way to prevent games being played in class is to ensure the students are engaged in the lesson. Leveraging emerging technologies allows teachers and students to not only be enabled, but also more engaged, and empowered which only enhances learning productivity as well as adding real world context to topics being studied. For example, in Original Science Research, not only can we discuss a topic that is of interest, but also with the class having an iPad, we can download an article or abstract from pubmed.net, and even supplement it with other complementary articles that enhance learning.
In summary, the iPad initiative in its initial 5 months at Mamaroneck High School is off to a fantastic start. Students are excited about using the iPads, are improving their organizational skills, and are more engaged. Teachers are leveraging the latest technologies adapting to the way students today are consuming and digesting information to have a more engaged and dynamic classroom experience, which in turn fosters a more effective and customized learning environment. In addition, according to the Mamaroneck School Board Meeting held on January 7, 2014 it was reported only 15 of almost 1,000 issued iPads (including ones issue to the teachers) have required servicing since September. The keyboard cases provided may have something to do with that low servicing number, as it not only protects the iPads, but also improves keyboarding skills. Also quoted at the most recent School Board Meeting, “the overall cost of the initiative is $1.04 per iPad per instructional day”, which does not include the weekend days when students are still using them to complete their homework, read downloaded books from the library, etc., dropping the cost down even further. Ultimately this initiative is still in its infancy, and as more educational applications are developed, so too will the possibilities for students to enhance and improve their learning.
I wonder if the individuals, organizations, corporations, etc., behind the creation and implementation of this technology really consider the most important factor in education: the student; or are they simply interested in profits? Is this type of technology really necessary/imperative when it comes to educating and reaching all students?
I have mixed feelings when it comes to committing to one technology/curriculum provider. When implement technology into the curriculum I like to use many different types of resources (Prezi, Nearpod, SMART Notebook, Glogster, Google, MovieMaker). Being able to differentiate my lessons and express my own creativity is extremely important.
I also have mixed feelings about having the curriculum go digital. There is something to be said about reading a book and being able to flip the pages. I would not want future students to lose out on this experience when going all digital. I also feel that students are way too distracted when using technology. To have students use technology for the entire curriculum is not something I would want for my students. It is nice to have technology in the lessons, but just not the entire lesson.
Wow. So much to say on this. It's hard not to be redundant, so I'll try to keep this short. I love the hardware. I love software options. I'm very wary of the vendors. In talking to Michael and reading his post, they seem like they're doing it right and I really admire what's happening in his school. I just do not believe for an instant that software companies are looking out for the kids. They want their money. We've seen it with these jokes of state tests. When profits merge with our education system, the results are usually less than ideal.
As a READ180 teacher, most of my teaching is determined by the requirements of the program. Although there are many benefits to using the software, my worry is that it replaces teachers' creativity and flexibility. I think that relying instruction solely on one curriculum and provider is risky, a balance is neccessary for student success.
The hardware is something that can benefit students just by shear portability. But I do agree with SM on the flexbility and creativity being lost. I do think there is to be a balance as with anything, but the shift can always pose for thinking and reflecting on what is best for our students.
I believe this is a great idea! Last year I engineered a 1:1 iPad program at my school. When we began the program our school canvassed students and parents to allow community feedback before moving towards a digital curriculum. The support from the community was overwhelming. Some parents even commented that they couldn’t believe it took this long to happen.
ReplyDeleteOur iPad program encourages students to become independent thinkers where learning does not stop when the bell rings. It puts a very powerful learning device into each of the student’s hands. There are many benefits to implementing a digital curriculum and iPad program, however it must be planned and executed properly.
Our school utilizes various software and methods to ensure the devices are constantly monitored and restricted. Students and parents have signed a contract and agreed to our terms and conditions. There are harsh penalties for any student found misusing or tampering with a device. While the Los Angeles Unified School District received a lot of bad press about their iPad rollout, I believe it was mainly because there was lack of communication with the community and also a lack of controls on the devices.
The benefits of such a program are that students can access real time data and information. They can access many educational apps and books. When using an iPad and iBooks students have the ability to define any term in the book with a tap of a finger. If students are taught to utilize this tool they could see a vast improvement in their vocabulary skills, which will help them on standardized tests such as the SAT as they compete to get into college. Using iBooks students can now highlight and annotate inside their textbooks. The iBooks have the ability to organize student highlights and notes into digital flash cards for review. These are just a few of the features a digital curriculum offer. For those worried about student distractions our teachers have the ability to lock students in a particular app/book and even see the battery charge for each student’s device.
Since my school began utilizing iPads there has been a vast improvement in student organization. Students can easily create, file, and retrieve notes, presentations, worksheets, and exams. There are virtually no excuses, even if they forget their iPad at home we can provide students with a loaner and they can still access all of their data which is stored in the cloud. Gone are the days of fifty pound backpacks, forgetting things in your locker, and/or dogs eating the homework.
I have to say that I love having an actual book in my hand. I find it enjoyable to sit down with a single book and physically turn the pages. I also love technology and I always have my phone nearby or my iPad.
ReplyDeleteAs I was teaching the other day, I thought it would be awesome if I could deliver a document I mentioned in passing to iPads and have us briefly examine it. I hadn't planned on looking at the document, but a student asked a question and I thought "An iPad could fix this." I think iPads could greatly reduce the amount of paper I use, but I wonder about student reliance on the iPads when we still administer paper exams at the end of the year.
It sounds like Michael has developed a well thought out program. He addressed a lot of my concerns- misuse, distractions. I love the idea of a cloud. You could even use GoogleDocs to have students work on the same item at the same time. I think it is a great idea, but I am sure there are some issues that would come up. I would be curious to hear what issues or concerns Michael has because he has seen this on a larger scale than I can think of.
I wonder: Is there a software that allows the teacher to control what the students in their classroom see on their iPad? For example, can I control and make sure that we are all on the same page of a document?
Nearpod is a great application which allows teachers to control what the students are looking at on any mobile device. You would upload a document and share it with your students.
DeleteThis year Mamaroneck High School launched a 1:1 iPad initiative. I thought it might be interesting for you to read what a student thinks about using this technology to facilitate his learning. The following was written by MHS freshman David Sollod.
DeleteThe iPad Initiative
Approximately 800 8th and 9th grade students now have iPads in Mamaroneck Schools. These iPads are meant to do several things to help the students throughout the school year. The iPads are a great way to keep work organized and allow students to have everything in one place, leveraging applications like Notability, Evernote, Homework (providing a calendar that can be customized), Overdrive, which provides access to certain books within the Mamaroneck High School Library, to name just a few. Teachers say that if you are organized, you will do well. The iPads help to improve organizational skills allowing note taking, browsing the web for information, and students having their homework as well as their notes readily available. A big reason students forget to do their homework is because they do not write it down and they forget what is assigned. With the iPads, students can easily write down homework in an application and set reminders when to do it enhancing organizational skills. The iPad fosters online research collaboration, and allows for greater communication both peer-to-peer and student-to-teacher. As Mamaroneck Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Shaps said in his blog, “…we are hopeful that promoting a 1:1 learning environment will reinforce the 4 C's of 21st Century Skills: collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and communication.” The school has chosen the iPads for many reasons. With an interview with Mr. Cofino, IT Director for Mamaroneck High School he said, “the biggest reason was the iPads were used in Earth Science with last year’s 8th graders.” The students have experience with some of the specific applications that the student and teachers are already accustomed to using.
There are a few problems with these iPads however. Some say the iPads are unreliable and can erase all your data. Teachers and staff members are looking for ways to back up the iPads, and if students are worried about losing information, students can talk to one of the teachers and upload the data onto a personal drive. Another concern is the possibility of playing games exists on the iPads. Teachers cannot be sure if notes are being taken, or games are being played because they cannot be constantly walking around to check each student’s iPad. This can be a serious problem if students are playing games instead of paying attention in class, as they will do poorly on exams. If students are more engaged in class, they will not be playing games.
DeleteWithout the iPads there are always distractions. A student without an iPad can daydream, pass notes, or just stare at some of those posters around the classrooms. There will always be distractions, therefore the only way to prevent games being played in class is to ensure the students are engaged in the lesson. Leveraging emerging technologies allows teachers and students to not only be enabled, but also more engaged, and empowered which only enhances learning productivity as well as adding real world context to topics being studied. For example, in Original Science Research, not only can we discuss a topic that is of interest, but also with the class having an iPad, we can download an article or abstract from pubmed.net, and even supplement it with other complementary articles that enhance learning.
In summary, the iPad initiative in its initial 5 months at Mamaroneck High School is off to a fantastic start. Students are excited about using the iPads, are improving their organizational skills, and are more engaged. Teachers are leveraging the latest technologies adapting to the way students today are consuming and digesting information to have a more engaged and dynamic classroom experience, which in turn fosters a more effective and customized learning environment. In addition, according to the Mamaroneck School Board Meeting held on January 7, 2014 it was reported only 15 of almost 1,000 issued iPads (including ones issue to the teachers) have required servicing since September. The keyboard cases provided may have something to do with that low servicing number, as it not only protects the iPads, but also improves keyboarding skills. Also quoted at the most recent School Board Meeting, “the overall cost of the initiative is $1.04 per iPad per instructional day”, which does not include the weekend days when students are still using them to complete their homework, read downloaded books from the library, etc., dropping the cost down even further. Ultimately this initiative is still in its infancy, and as more educational applications are developed, so too will the possibilities for students to enhance and improve their learning.
I wonder if the individuals, organizations, corporations, etc., behind the creation and implementation of this technology really consider the most important factor in education: the student; or are they simply interested in profits? Is this type of technology really necessary/imperative when it comes to educating and reaching all students?
ReplyDeleteI have mixed feelings when it comes to committing to one technology/curriculum provider. When implement technology into the curriculum I like to use many different types of resources (Prezi, Nearpod, SMART Notebook, Glogster, Google, MovieMaker). Being able to differentiate my lessons and express my own creativity is extremely important.
ReplyDeleteI also have mixed feelings about having the curriculum go digital. There is something to be said about reading a book and being able to flip the pages. I would not want future students to lose out on this experience when going all digital. I also feel that students are way too distracted when using technology. To have students use technology for the entire curriculum is not something I would want for my students. It is nice to have technology in the lessons, but just not the entire lesson.
ReplyDeleteWow. So much to say on this. It's hard not to be redundant, so I'll try to keep this short. I love the hardware. I love software options. I'm very wary of the vendors. In talking to Michael and reading his post, they seem like they're doing it right and I really admire what's happening in his school. I just do not believe for an instant that software companies are looking out for the kids. They want their money. We've seen it with these jokes of state tests. When profits merge with our education system, the results are usually less than ideal.
ReplyDeleteAs a READ180 teacher, most of my teaching is determined by the requirements of the program. Although there are many benefits to using the software, my worry is that it replaces teachers' creativity and flexibility. I think that relying instruction solely on one curriculum and provider is risky, a balance is neccessary for student success.
ReplyDeleteThe hardware is something that can benefit students just by shear portability. But I do agree with SM on the flexbility and creativity being lost. I do think there is to be a balance as with anything, but the shift can always pose for thinking and reflecting on what is best for our students.
ReplyDelete