The integration of iPads and iPod Touches into the elementary classroom has completely transformed the learning dynamic.
The Apple devices used give students the educational boost they will need to survive, adapt and grow in the 21st century digital world. No matter the students’ academic ability or learning modality, technology engages and accommodates all learners, from those with learning disabilities to the academically gifted.
In the third grade classroom alone, reading abilities range from first grade up to seventh grade.
Something that helps close the gap is technology. The children can listen to audio versions of books, which gives them a chance to “read” for interest without being restricted by their ability.
Students can also record their own versions of books for fluency practice. Students can also lookup a word they don’t know in the dictionary of an ebook, which not only defines the word, but pronounces it for them.
A whole classroom library can fit inside one small electronic tool, at a fraction of the cost it would take to continuously update and stock bookshelves. Not only that, but iPods/iPads are utilized during all parts of the school-day, from morning work to science and all subjects in between.
One small device that fits into the palm of a child’s hand can take the place of a calculator, dictionary, thesaurus, spell checker, interactive globe, camera and many other learning tools that do not have to be updated or purchased physically.
Hundreds of educational applications are available for download, ranging from flashcards to interactive clocks or spelling games that use their actual spelling words. Students can blog, film podcasts or watch learning videos.
The tablets put the most relevant and up-to-date research and tools at the Student’s fingertips. The students may read about a city in France in their Social Studies book and instead of simply locating the country on a globe, the children can type it into the iPad and “fly” there with Google Earth.
They see the broad continent view, but can zoom it in close enough to peer into a bakery window in a French town square. All of that can be done without students ever leaving their seats. Teachers are challenging students to reason, construct and process information… digitally. Whether they are an astronaut exploring the galaxy or a student taking a field trip to an Australian zoo, technology makes it possible and the creative potential is endless.
The underlying factor through it all however, is learning. At the end of the day, it’s not about the technology used, but the learning that is happening.
Ashley Alicea is a third-grade teacher at W. J. Gurganus Elementary School.