Technology Reflection: Ipads

Technology Reflection Assignment

 

Technology Reflection: Instructional Use of Ipads

Description/Experience

            During October 21^st’s technology seminar, Mrs. Galindo from West Milford Elementary school came in to discuss a modern tool known as an Ipad. An Ipad, made from Apple Inc., is almost like an oversized touch-screen Ipod. It is an electric touch screen hand held computer. Audio and visual media may be explored on an Ipad, with access to various applications, games, music, and web content. I think an Ipad in an educational setting would be a tremendous aid to school. I believe there are many beneficial uses to an Ipad that go beyond simple entertainment. If schools have access and means to obtain ipads for classrooms, there are so many tools it offers that the cost would be worth it.

Application

            An instructional activity pertaining to ipads would be for students of mine struggling in math. Addition and subtraction would be the two main focuses, and the activity would be geared towards 1^st and 2^nd graders. Many younger students learning about addition, subtraction and simple number differences (greatest and least) can utilize educational math applications. Apps on the ipad such as ‘Math Board’, ‘Math Bingo’ or ‘Motion Math’ would be ideal for this activity. If each student were able to use an Ipad, then each could play and practice addition and subtraction problems practicing with numbers 1-10.
            To begin the activity, I would go over a basic review of addition and subtraction that we would have been going over for some time. I would then provide a tutorial of the Ipad to the class. I would begin by going over the first application we could try, such as ‘Math Board.’ Each student would use the Ipad as a blackboard. After they were comfortable with using that app, we could move on to games with the Ipad such as bingo. Extrinsic rewards such as a prize for who can solve the most problems, and the simple usage of the ipad itself could be used as extrinsic motivation. Once all of the students feel comfortable with the app, and using the ipads to help them with math, then more activities could be brought into play.

Reflection

Pedagogy-Content:

            In order for the students to understand how to use the app on the Ipad for the activity, they will need to understand the content in which we will be going over. Before the activity would be administered, the students would have been practicing their basic addition and subtraction between numbers 0-10. Examples of problems would be demonstrated, in various learning style techniques.

Technology:

            The functions that an ipad provides are diverse and abundant. Although the Ipad acts as a means to practice and not a teacher itself, it can still aid in the help of a student. Once the teacher has taught and reviewed the required content, the interactive ipad will be present to engage the students in a stimulating technological way.
            The price of an ipad is not cheap. A school must have means to provide ipads to students and teachers. Certain programs however, offer schools opportunities to rent certain technologies. if ipads were available to be rented to schools, it would be a very profitable investment.

Technology-Pedagogy:

            Ipads were used as training tools to the students, and an aid to the teacher. The teacher is the sole instructor of the content, however using the ipad, could incorporate new innovative ways to teach the content. Using this technology can really help magnify which students need further help. Individualized plans may be established since each student using the ipad would work in different ways. If one student is struggling with addition, and another student with subtraction and yet are strong in the opposites, those problems may be identified and further practiced. The results from using the ipad could help the teacher rethink teaching strategies and what needs to be focused on in the class. Classroom management would be not unlike other strategies used to control the class.

Technology-Content:

            The content presented to the class would be taught the same way at first. As the lessons progressed and student issues were more magnified, then appropriate teaching methods would take over. Using the ipad technology, students can use the ipad as a model for how to solve problems correctly. If they have trouble, they have an example right in front of their eyes on how to conduct solving it correctly. The students have a tool outside of the teacher to help them understand the content presented. Mistakes made can be corrected, and also marked down so that the teacher can help them in their trouble areas even further.

Technology-Pedagogy-Content:

            Properly teaching the students how to use this technology effectively will maximize the students practice. Students will feel motivated to understand the content being taught since they will have to opportunity to practice on this new technology. Further downloading of new, interactive applications can allow the students to get creative in their learning style, as well as create a gateway for further creativity from the teacher.

Instructional Technology Integration

Technology Reflection Assignment

Technology Reflection: Instructional Use of  Edmodo

Description/Experience

In our last seminar, the technology presented was called ‘Edmodo.’ It is a free no cost social networking site, much like the very socially popular  website ‘facebook.’ However, Edmodo is used as a social-educational connection between teachers and students. A teacher may construct an Edmodo site, and ask his or her students to create an account and gain access to the class’s homepage. There, the teacher (controller of the website page) may post homework assignments, grades, reminders, and other things in general necessary to their students. Each student may have their own profile, and certain things between the teacher and student such as grades remains confidential. It is quick and it allows for students to become more connected with their teacher and each other.

Application

                      My placement is with a first grade classroom. If each student were very technologically savvy with online technology and social networking sites, then perhaps Edmodo could be incorporated into a lesson with the majority of control being in the teacher’s hands. My host teacher could create an Edmodo page and grant access to her students. Student’s parents would also have access so they could log on with their child to learn about homework assignments and hear new messages from the teacher.                                    For an activity to be posted onto Edmodo, here is one suggestion: An activity could be presented to the students, in which the final result would have to be posted onto the Edmodo main page. The lesson is designed for first graders. The class would be divided up in half. The lesson would be a part of language arts, and would focus on word endings into word families. Each side would be assigned an ending, such as: ing, or ed. Each side would receive the same word in its present tense, then would determine the correct ending and use it in a sentence. For example: “Fix.” One side should say “fixed” and the other side should say “fixing” by using them in sentences. The outcome is the understanding of word endings for certain words, where they belong, and how to use them correctly. After 5 words are given to each side, the teacher may have each student participate and type part of the sentence onto Edmodo. After school, students may share their work with their parents. For a homework assignment, each student would log onto Edmodo with a parent and complete a similar activity and post it under the assignments tab. My host teacher could reward grades to each post. 

Reflection

Pedagogy-Content:

            To represent the content to the students, students would build upon previous knowledge to what they already knew about words, word endings, and sentence structure. I would also present examples of other words so that students could utilize those examples and refresh their memory. Despite age groups, students are at different levels of learning all the time. Hopefully, with the class as a whole learning the same lesson over time, they would be able to conduct this assignment with ease.

Technology:

            The number one function of ‘Edmodo’ is the instant connection it brings to students and teachers. with the click of a button, students have instant access to answers about the class and certain classroom assignments. The ease of its use among certain age groups brings great benefits. teachers can grade quickly and students can receive their grade instantly, and since the majority of students do prefer instant knowledge of a grade, Edmodo allows them this ease.

Technology-Pedagogy:

            The technology would be used in this activity by means of posting the activity to the page itself. By teaching the students a lesson on language arts, thus with the teaching of new technology, it allows the students to gain a deeper understanding of what technology can do for education.

Classroom management of the use of this technology is vital. Certain students may misuse Edmodo, and not utilize its academic benefits. Constant monitoring from the teacher would be required.

Technology-Content:

            Since Edmodo does require the use of typing and computers, the content would have to be represented correctly in every sense- grammatical corrections and proper sentence structure.  By using Edmodo, the content would be represented on the web, and that way all who are allowed may view it. By practicing different activities and utilizing Edmodo, students may feel more motivated to practice if they know they would be permitted to use a computer.

Technology-Pedagogy-Content:

            With the right instruction on how to properly use Edmodo, students may practice and further utlize its benefits. By using this technology, more subjects may be brought to attention. Students may practice math, reading, science, and other spelling practices. The teacher would be free to post new assignments that he or she feels would help the students. At allocated times, the teacher can instruct the students on how to gain access to Edmodo, and how to access its basic items that will allow them further practice, and connection with their peers and teacher.