10 things I love about using iPad’s in my classroom

Introducing one-to-one iPad’s into classrooms has become one of the hottest topics of conversation. I thought I would share with you the benefits I see of this new form of technology in schools. The 10 things I love about using iPad’s in my classroom is written through the lens of the Learner Profiles from International Baccalaureate (IB), in the context of the Primary Years Program (PYP).

In my teaching and research I see iPad’s developing students to be…

Iquirers

They are able to ask and present questions verbally and in written form (Siri, search engines, word processing, voice recording apps eg notability)
with one-to-one devices students are able to be independent in their learning, not only working in working by themselves instead of sharing devices/computers, but teachers are able to tailor the use of apps and activities to cater for individual needs. This provides excellent opportunity for differentiation in learning. For example iPad’s give students the opportunity to watch a video, listen to text or read text and then respond through a video diary (iMovie), voice recording (Garage Band), word processing (Pages) or even just presenting dot points or observation/key words (Visual Poetry).
students are quicker to engage with technology and don’t give up as easily on tasks set using iPad’s

Thinkers

They use what they know to research, create, write & publish
They use their prior knowledge to link with new; technology, information, and understanding how to use universal & content specific apps
they make decisions on content they view and create

Communicators

follow directions eg. how to use an app
express ideas in more than one mode; visual (art, photo, video) , aural (video, voice recording), written (word processing, note taking, visual poetry)
work together with others eg one group creating sound in Garage Band while another group works in iMovie and then merging the 2 projects for final presentation

Knowledgeable

explore; locally using note taking apps, videoing or voice recording interviews, viewing local websites or globally using the internet or You Tube
use a range of disciplines to get an in-depth understanding (viewing, reading, listening, interviewing)

Risk takers

iPad’s enable students to make mistakes, there is always the ‘back’ or ‘undo’ function
they encourage students to explore and do or present things in new ways (written, video, image, oral)

Principled

the opportunity to learn how to act with integrity and honesty in their use of iPad’s (publishing content, social media, taking photo’s and video)
the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions and use of the device, accepting any consequences that come along with misuse

Caring

the opportunity to show responsibility for an expensive piece of equipment
the opportunity to act thoughtfully using blogs and social media in critiquing peers work (Edmodo, Social media, Instagram)

Open minded

listening to, viewing and commenting on other’s work (Edmodo, Web browsers, Youtube, blogs)
accepting that you can present information in a variety of ways (written, oral, visual)
acknowledging that you can look at things and interpret different meanings or points of view (eg Youtube, music)

Balanced

understanding that not all your time and all your learning should be spent on the iPad
being organised and using time wisely (organisation apps eg calendars, time logs, timers)

Reflective

about their learning (blogs, video diaries, written diaries, Edmodo, social media)
thinking about how things could have been done better eg. could we use a different app

Using iPad’s in my classroom has enriched and diversified my teaching program. I believe they are definitely a fantastic tool if used to their full potential in catering for students needs.