Ipad

How can mobile learning devices impact student access to computers? Will this level the playing field?

Mobile devices are becoming the new computer and it is making a big difference in the world. It used to be in order to go on the internet you had to be in a house, library, or some sort of building and attached to a wall. Now you can be in your car be in the middle of the room, in a store, in the middle of the park  wire and wall free. This is chaning how our students access information. More and more school are buying these tools and incorporating them in their classroom. Parents are getting them for the students. This is a great tool I feel to teach students with and help improve their skills. This will only level the playing feild if every child had one at home. If they don't have access to these materials we are still standing in the same place. The students who come from wealthy homes will still be ahead of the students who poverty stricken homes. We will still have the achievement gap.

 

Is the digital divide present in Education today?

I do feel there is still the digital divide. There are still students that have no computer at home and no access to one. They could go to the library but would need transporation and someone willing to take them. Incorporating these technology in schools is the only way these children are going to have experience with computers, Ipads or other technologies. Parents in low income living situations are not going to spend five hundred dollors on an Ipad rather than giving their family a meal.  There is a big difference in education levels when you have students who are surrounded by technology and those that have limited to no experience with the technology.

 

What can we do to impact that as teachers?

As teachers we can provide them with as much experience with technology as possible while they are in school. We can write grants to provide lap tops, Ipads, camersa, interactive websites in the classroom. We can create our lessons so that they incorporate technology skills that will enhance their abilities. If possible creating a loan system where the child can take the lab top or Ipad home with them to practice skills or to use while at home for a night. Just like you might take the class stuffed animal home and write about it they can take the lap top/ Ipad home and write about their experience with the classmates. Teachers, school districts or organziations can fundraise or write grants to find money to provide these families with the technologies needed to support these students that do not have access.

 

Will the iPad/iPod significantly change education?

It already has changed the way teachers are teaching. Provided that they have the technology in their schools. I would so much rather tell them to go on the Ipad and practice the skills we were working on that day rather then say here complete this worksheet and turn it in. It make so much more sense to say go on the Ipad complete this game and then send me you results.  I could take that information and assess their learning in a completely different manner.