iPads in EducationMary Kate Lavin

Rumors about iPadsHave you ever heard any of these?

iPads are the best technology tool to use in the classroom?

iPads will allow students to make progress faster? My student needs an iPad because other

students’ use them at other schools.

However… Not enough research has been conducted to see

the effects of using tablets in the classroom They are becoming more popular in schools

Why iPads I picked this topic because I have an iPad and

do not how to successfully implement the use of an iPad in the classroom

Allowed me to learn more about the benefits of using iPads

Influences of iPads Increase in student motivation: encouraging

students to complete assignments or use it as a reward

Foster a sense of independence: students who may need an adult near them can do things on their own

All type of learners can benefit from using an iPad: kinesthetic, visual, verbal, etc.

College and Career ready: allowing students to become more proficient with the technology devices that are available

Case Studies “Benefits of Using an iPad as an Educational Tool”

All students and teachers were given iPads to use No specific instructions on how it was implemented Increase in motivation and quality of work increased using

iPads

“Tablet PCs-An Assistive Technology for Students with Reading Difficulties” College student with dyslexia: given an iPad for inside and

outside of the classroom. After technological difficulties, the student was successful with using this and was able to adapt it for a way she was able to use it.

Two fourth grade students with reading difficulties: 5 iPads were given to a class of 26 students. There was an increase in reading comprehension when the text was read to them and answers were on the iPad.

Case Studies “A breakthrough for Josh: How use of an iPad

Facilitated Reading Improvement” Josh: elementary ADHD student, below grade level in

reading, pre-service teacher tutored Josh using an iPad and various applications, became more engaged in lessons and it sustained attention.

“iPad: A New Classroom Technology? A Report from Two Pilot Studies” 40 college students: curriculum was downloaded on it,

college professor didn’t use it consistently through instruction.

Elementary School class of 26 students were given 5 iPads: Students benefited from this, teacher used it consistently, increased ownership in work completion.

Opportunities/ Challenges

Opportunities Through this research it has given me more

confidence using an iPad Students will be exposed to a variety of

technology tools at a younger age They will become more technologically literate

Challenges Professional Development on how to implement

an iPad Classroom set or just a few iPads which is better? Technological glitches

References Bennett, K. (2012). Less than a class set. Learning & Leading with Technology,

39(4), 22-25.

Collins, A. & Halverson, R. (2009). Rethinking education in the age of technology: The digital revolution and schooling in America. New York: Teachers College Press.

Culén, A. L., & Gasparini, A. (2011). iPad: a new classroom technology? A report from two pilot studies. INFuture Proceedings, 199-208.

Gasparini, A. A., & Culén, A. L. (2012, January). Tablet PCs–An Assistive Technology for Students with Reading Difficulties?. In ACHI 2012, The Fifth International Conference on Advances in Computer-Human Interactions (pp. 28-34).

McClanahan, B., Williams, K., Kennedy, E., & Tate, S. (2012). A breakthrough for Josh: how use of an iPad facilitated reading improvement. Techtrends; Linking Research and Practice to Improve Learning, 56 (3), 20-28.

Walsh, M., & Simpson, A. (2013). Touching, tapping…thinking? Examining the dynamic materiality of touch pad devices for literacy learning. Australian Journal of Language & Literacy, 36 (3), 148-157).