Assignment+1

McCrea, B. (n.d.). Elementary iPads -- THE Journal. //THE Journal: Technological Horizons in Education -- THE Journal//. Retrieved July 15, 2013, from http://thejournal.com/articles/2011/05/04/elementary-ipads.aspx

This article explained how the school implemented iPads in the classroom. I know that damage and loss are a concern from many of the teachers at our school. It will be good to share with them how this school has had no issue with the children breaking them. Another concern that our faculty has is the amount of extra time implementing iPads in the classroom will take on the part of the teacher, especially because we teach in a private school. Their suggestion of an "informal professional learning community" for sharing ideas and findings with each other is a great idea for collaboration.

Cougars, U. (n.d.). Utah Local News - Salt Lake City News, Sports, Archive - The Salt Lake Tribune. //Utah Local News - Salt Lake City News, Sports, Entertainment, Business - The Salt Lake Tribune//. Retrieved July 15, 2013, from http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home2/51714969-183/students-ipads-ipod-devices.html.csp

This article pointed out many reasons that iPads/iPods in the classroom are a justified expense and that they are helping to enhance education. One teacher said, "They help engage the students, allow them to work at their own levels, and prepare them for the workplace of the future." As a teacher, I struggle with meeting the kids at their different ability levels. I am excited to know that is one of the reasons the teachers in this district love iPads. Also, I agree with the fact that these devices will keep all of the student's information at their fingertips and keep them organized. I definitely agree with the the fact that iPads/iPods will not take the place of learning and instruction, but they will enhance it.

McCrea, B. (n.d.). Measuring the iPad's Potential for Education -- THE Journal. //THE Journal: Technological Horizons in Education -- THE Journal//. Retrieved July 15, 2013, from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/01/27/measuring-the-ipads-potential-for-education.aspx

This article dated back to 2010 when iPads were first released. A curriculum and instruction coordinator said, "Change is happening so fast." We, as educators, need to get on board with it, even if we don't agree with it or are apprehensive about it. This article reiterated my feelings of the importance of changing with the times and being flexible and open minded to it. It is amazing how much just the iPad has changed in three short years. It didn't even have a camera!

Guernsey, L. (n.d.). IPads in the classroom: The right way to use them, demonstrated by a Swiss school. - Slate Magazine. //Politics, Business, Technology, and the Arts - Slate Magazine//. Retrieved July 15, 2013, from http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/future_tense/2013/04/ipads_in_the_classroom_the_right_way_to_use_them

The author of this article visited a school in Switzerland and concluded when she was done, "Instead of focusing on what was coming out of the iPad, they (the staff) were focusing on what was going in to it." This school didn't use it mostly for apps and games. They had the children make recordings of their learning. This allowed the teachers to individualize learning. This method helps bring out the student's creativity, encourages expression, and gives opportunity for reflection.

Are iPads and Other Classroom Gadgets Really Helping Kids Learn?. (n.d.). //News & Lifestyle Coverage on Important Topics Like Food, Environment, Social Justice, Animal Rights, Education & Health | TakePart//. Retrieved July 15, 2013, from http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/01/31/ipads-education-gadgets-really-helping-kids-learn

This article showed the down-side of iPads and technology in the classroom. It talked about how the hype and buzz of technology is making school districts, teachers, and parents jump on board and push hard for it without all of the facts. It cautions that we should tread lightly and get all of the information we need to be sure that iPads in our particular school will be cost effective. It stated that iPads are not used enough to justify the cost. Classroom use is far less than what was projected.