Participating in the iPad pilot program has been very rewarding, but it has also made me realize how little I really know about integrating technology into the classroom. It is a time-consuming process and requires so much time on the front-end of the activities to make sure that it all works properly. I also spend a lot of time making sure the iPads are updated and have the apps organized right. I have to make sure that my students haven't installed apps that they don't need and that the keyboards stay charged.
I really think that a teacher needs several months in advance of using tablets in the classroom to prepare. There is so much that needs to be done and trying to fit it all in AND continue lesson planning and teaching at the same time is hard. It will be nice to spend some time this summer planning for next year without having to worry about being in the classroom every day.
One thing I like about using tablets is that you can do easy things on a daily basis with them. Not every lesson has to be super complex and time-consuming.
I have enjoyed having the iPads and hope that in the future, I will have more of them in my classroom!
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Blog 14: Learning Networks
As an educator, I have often been a subscriber to different learning networks or list-servs. When I was a librarian, I was active on the list-serv from the Texas Library Association. I learned new things and got to share ideas with other librarians. As an administrator, I began to follow blogs. While I have been back in the classroom this year, I have discovered the Microsoft Educator Network and Edutopia. These resources provide me with tons of ideas for lessons and for creating a more engaging classroom. They also are very diverse in their offerings, which is important for me because I like being exposed to a variety of information. You can find both at the following links:
Microsoft Educator Network: http://www.pil-network.com/
Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/
Microsoft Educator Network: http://www.pil-network.com/
Edutopia: http://www.edutopia.org/
Blog 13: How Many?
Over the past few weeks, iPad usage in my class has been minimal, since we have been reviewing for the EOC. The students have been using Quizlet to review vocabulary and some of the studetns who do not have phones used them for our review games we played.
This Friday we are starting a project which will require the students to use the iPads to create a finished product. This will include blogs, a timeline, and a video. I will also have to use the iPads one day for research, as I will be in a computer lab that doesn't have enough computers for my class. Getting started with new apps can be difficult, especially when individual usernames are required. That can also be time-consuming but I hope to address those things on Friday and get the students set up so they can start creating their projects after the research is complete. One negative in doing a project this way is that I only have 10 iPads, which makes it difficult to ensure that everyone has something to do when their group starts putting the project together.
This Friday we are starting a project which will require the students to use the iPads to create a finished product. This will include blogs, a timeline, and a video. I will also have to use the iPads one day for research, as I will be in a computer lab that doesn't have enough computers for my class. Getting started with new apps can be difficult, especially when individual usernames are required. That can also be time-consuming but I hope to address those things on Friday and get the students set up so they can start creating their projects after the research is complete. One negative in doing a project this way is that I only have 10 iPads, which makes it difficult to ensure that everyone has something to do when their group starts putting the project together.
Blog #12: Voice and Choice
One of the best ways to give students a voice and a choice in their education is to use project-based learning. This style of teaching lets students choose a topic that interests them and then research it and apply the knowledge they discover to the "real" world. The teacher becomes more of a facilitator rather than the leader of the classroom. For some, this is a hard concept to swallow. Giving students the freedom to choose what they learn is a bit contradictory to pattern of teaching "to the test" and it's hard to reconcile the two. However, the critical thinking skills that can be used when doing project-based learning are invaluable. In addition, PBL requires a ton of work in advance to make sure that the projects the students choose to complete are useful and cover the TEKs that need to be taught. When properly structured, PBL can allow a student to take the basic knowledge they learned and apply it to something that is relevant to their lives.
Blog 11: Life-long Learning
In December, I *should* be graduating from UHCL with a doctorate in Educational Leadership. This will be exactly 20 years after I graduated from college and 10 years after I graduated with my master's degree. Being a life-long learner is very important to me, especially in my role as a teacher. There will always be something new to learn in order to provide the best education to the students I work with.
Technology is one of those areas that is ever-changing and that requires continuous education. The biggest obstacles to learning about new technology and how to implement it? TIME! Over the past month, my time at school has been consumed with getting my students ready for the EOC they took yesterday. At home, I've been trying to finish up this semester of doctoral classes. I've learned that time management is so important to staying up-to-date on the latest and greatest information for the classroom. I basically have to set aside on my schedule time to catch up with the newest information. If not, it never gets done.
I feel that one of the characteristics I model the best for my students is that of life-long learner. It's important for them to realize that they must always keep learning and know how to do that so that they can be self-sufficient, independent learners throughout the rest of their lives. Using the iPads in class and modeling everything that can be done with them provides my students with experience that will help them in the future, especially when they start working in the "real" world. While I know that most of them are comfortable with technology, I hope that I have exposed them to something new that they can use for the rest of their lives.
Technology is one of those areas that is ever-changing and that requires continuous education. The biggest obstacles to learning about new technology and how to implement it? TIME! Over the past month, my time at school has been consumed with getting my students ready for the EOC they took yesterday. At home, I've been trying to finish up this semester of doctoral classes. I've learned that time management is so important to staying up-to-date on the latest and greatest information for the classroom. I basically have to set aside on my schedule time to catch up with the newest information. If not, it never gets done.
I feel that one of the characteristics I model the best for my students is that of life-long learner. It's important for them to realize that they must always keep learning and know how to do that so that they can be self-sufficient, independent learners throughout the rest of their lives. Using the iPads in class and modeling everything that can be done with them provides my students with experience that will help them in the future, especially when they start working in the "real" world. While I know that most of them are comfortable with technology, I hope that I have exposed them to something new that they can use for the rest of their lives.
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Blog 10: Tech Update
We are currently using the iPads for vocabulary review, using the Quizlet app. Periodically during the lessons, the kids may use the iPads for extension activities that relate to the topic.
I have not had to change any of my procedures or policies yet. I guess that's an advantage to working with juniors.
I will report later on how well the iPads worked during our EOC blitz.
I have not had to change any of my procedures or policies yet. I guess that's an advantage to working with juniors.
I will report later on how well the iPads worked during our EOC blitz.
Blog 9: Assessment
The iPads are great for quick assessments of a student's knowledge. Socrative is a great app for doing this! You can put in a quiz and then when the kids are done it will send you an email with the results.
I think you could also use the iPads like some classrooms use dry erase boards...to write down an answer and show it to the class.
It seems that there are way more apps for elementary teachers to use for this than for secondary. Maybe I just need to be more creative with my assessment??
I will be using the iPads as part of my EOC review and I think it will make the review process more fun for my students.
I think you could also use the iPads like some classrooms use dry erase boards...to write down an answer and show it to the class.
It seems that there are way more apps for elementary teachers to use for this than for secondary. Maybe I just need to be more creative with my assessment??
I will be using the iPads as part of my EOC review and I think it will make the review process more fun for my students.
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