Many students look forward to using computers as part of their learning experience. I believe that iPads have the potential to take that motivation to another level entirely. I have just recently introduced myself to the iPad, downloading many educational apps, and watching them in action. Young technology learners get the hang of it almost immediately, and are up and running with it in seconds. While they can (and do)“waste” endless amounts of time on apps such as Angry Birds, there are also a wealth of truly beneficial apps that make learning fun. I have listed some links along the side to some of the apps that I thought could be of interest to others.
Since apps are often limited and one-dimensional, they could be beneficial for students who need help in a specific topic area. I have been looking at apps for the lower grades such as Word Bingo, Bonescan Bob (teaches the major bones of the body), Pizza (teaches fractions), Under the Sea (coral reefs), and Geo Walk (teaches geography).
While the cost of the technology is definitely a barrier, the potential value of this technology to have a tremendous impact on learning is already very high and growing without bounds.
Have any of you seen or used this technology? What do you think?
Hi Dale,
ReplyDeleteI have had an iPad for about a year now, and have grown to like it very much.
Last spring, some students in EDTC625 did their Computer Lab Design project on iPads--as a way to learn about not only the software apps but what is involved in setting up a class cart.
That might be fun for you to do.
Dale
ReplyDeleteI am so glad someone chose to write about ipads for one of their topics. I love them! One of my special education students got a trial one last year as a way to help replace her communication device. It was meant to provide a portable device that she could use to communicate, work and play on. It was meant to help minimize the amount materials she would need to take from place to place.
I personally think they have amazing potential for special education students. Especially in schools with wireless internet that would enable teachers to send assignments, presentations, and worksheets directly to students. Here are some links to articles about using ipads with special education students.
http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=59265369&site=eds-live&scope=site
Shah, N. (2011). Special Ed. Pupils Find Learning Tool In iPad Applications. (cover story). Education Week, 30(22), 1. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
This second link is just a brief blurb about the ipad but I thought it did a god job of summarizing some of the benefits of using it with special ed students.
http://ezproxy.umuc.edu/login?url=http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=55820367&site=eds-live&scope=site
The iPad -- Breaking New Ground in Special Education. (2010). District Administration, 46(10), 16. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Wow, what a great list of resources on iPads with special ed students! Are either of you planning on designing an iPad network for your class project? Researching possible uses for your literature review paper?
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