Online Resource Review (Lisa)


http://www.slidetolearn.info/

S2L - Slide to learn is a website designed by educators for educators based on Ipads, Ipods, Iphone and education. The website was created and managed by 6 team members who among them have a wealth of knowledge and world wide experience.At present there are 726 members who use the facilities to enhance their teaching. The team offers Learning and Events under an ethos which is down to earth and relevant to schools.

As we are aware Apple’s mobile devices are able to be used in the classroom in plethora of ways (often described as the ‘Swiss Army knife’ of mobile technologies).The iPad, iPod and iPhone all have a variety of features that are easily accessible, add to that Apple has hundreds of thousands of applications available which are constantly being updated. All of which making them very useful educational tools for teaching.

Recognising the importance of these devises to education the site itself offers a number of features which are very practical. These features include videos, resources and links, forum, blogs and calendars of events. Allowing educators to discuss and help each other with their integration of these devices into their classrooms.

One feature I wish to highlight (which would have been very useful at the beginning of our ipod and ipad journey) is the Beginners guide.The guide itself is broken up into 5 sections:

a.Ask yourself
b.Basics
c.Challenges
d.Differentiation
e.Eppendix


Ask Yourself section deals with the question ‘What is your learning vision and how mobile learning will enhance it?’As educators we know intuitively that the mobile platform has enornous potential, however we need to clarify our learning vision inorder to ensure the correct mobile devices is resourced. The guide offers reasons, questionsandexamlpes to help this process.

Basics section gives a quick summary of hardware, software and operating tips.It outlines the basics of all three platforms, including the new IOS5 and icloud, and offers links to other information.

Challenge section offers advice on how these devices be effectively rolled out in schools (being a TL this is invaluable).They explain the rollout procedure under 5 steps:

1.Pre-planning
2.Peer trainers
3.Play/ informal learning
4.Planned/ formal learning
5.Personalised and differentiated learning

For me personally I would have like to see the concept of management addressed in this section.I realise that every schools situation is personalised but some basic tip and suggestions would be extremely beneficial.

Differentiation addresses how the full potential of the chosen platform is in personalised learning.Offering suggestions and ways to personalise the individuals learning, self-directed.

Eppendix section gives links to all the companion resources and networks you will need (one stop shopping).The guide was only every intended a shot starting point for information; however by offering this section it allows the educators to find more information with ease.

As Educators must work to ensure that every young person has access to tools, skills and experiences needed to participate, as well as giving students the cultural competencies and social skills they need in their future roles as 21st century people. Apple devices allow for connectivity, seamless collaboration, simultaneous engagement and an authentic audience.This site was designed to help achieve these goals.