Using iPads Beyond Apps!

I recently learned of a young man who works for a professional basketball team. I was totally shocked to learn that his job title is a Social Media Coordinator. In his position he is responsible for updating and maintaining the twitter, facebook, youtube, and instagram accounts for the organization. Five years ago this job did not exist. This is a prime example of how we need to prepare students for positions in the world by enhancing their use of technology. I am excited to see what the jobs will look like in 10 years.

Using iPads Beyond Just Apps

Apps for practicing specific skills are good

BUT....

The focus & the use of the devices NEEDS to remain primarily as a tool for exposing students to skills, characteristic of a “modern learner”

Specialize in developing

• Critical thinking
• Personal learning
• Transformative learning
• Creativity
• Real-World Connection
• “Workflow Fluency” (import>create>save>share)

Questions To Ask When Using Apps

• How are we allowing students to demonstrate evidence of their learning in this moment in time?
• How are we/they documenting their learning process?
• How do we provide opportunities for students to think about and reflect on their own learning?
• What skills of a “modern learner” are we exposing our students to and how are we supporting the development of new literacies?

I have had the opportunity to work in classrooms with iPads an awful lot these past few months. I am very interested in gathering research for my metc presentation on iPads being more than just apps. I really want to show ways teachers are using iPads to enhance learning in ways that go beyond just putting them on a app to practice math.
Remember this?

I worked recently with a 1st grade class to use iPads to video blog about a very important moment in their lives.

A PE teacher is using ipads to give immediate feedback to students who are completing an archery unit.

Using iPads with students doesn't mean giving them games to play. It can truly impact instruction and learning in ways we never dreamed of.