What Does Research Really Say About iPads in the Classroom?- Assignment 4A

What does research really say about iPads in the classroom?

Summary:

Two educators research the effectiveness of iPads in classrooms. The researchers found why teachers can and cannot use iPads meaningfully in classrooms. During the research, Jeanne (educator/researcher) noticed that some teachers only used the iPads as rewards for being "good." So they decided to go deeper in their research to see how they could help teachers effectively use iPads for students and their learning. Come to find out, the assumptions that just because teachers can use social media does not mean they can use iPads to teach a classroom or make lesson plans.So the researches gave teachers time to "play" on an iPad and figure out how they work; apps, safari, ect. Then the researchers made the same assumption on students-- that they could work an iPad. Needless to say training was going to be necessary. Teachers needed to learn how to not only use the iPad but also be able to teach the students how to use an iPad. Students needed to learn how to use the learning apps productively and how to care for them. After extensive training, the researchers found that the iPads were in fact effective and productive. Not only did the research on iPads improve learning but it also improved the engagement of students/student relationships and student/teacher relationships. Teachers were able to connect students and their talents with the use of an iPad. The researchers said that iPads have the potential to level the playing field for all students. The study shows that teacher who have access to an iPad daily can improve their teaching styles and the students who have daily access to iPads can improve their learning skills and styles.


My Opinion:

I think that not just iPads but most technology can help students learn better if used properly and productively. If the students and teachers are trained to effectively to use and learn from the iPads then the learning can go through the roof because iPads and its apps contain more than a lot of teachers can offer. The main issue is the time and training it takes to make it more effective. I appreciate the teacher that did find ways for students to be more engaged with their classmates and their teacher. To me, if someone can find at least one way to improve teaching AND learning, the education system is gaining something.