New Article Review (Lisa)
Why iPads ? - iPADs apps for Learning
http://www.ipadsforeducation.vic.edu.au/why-ipad
Educause, a Learning Initiative, presents a persuasive argument for the value of iPAD apps in this article (Feb 2011). Its powerful conclusion sums up how “these applications that live in the spaces where education and entertainment overlap can capture the imagination, enticing students to learn on their own”. Imagine a teaching resource with such innovative and inspiring educational potential.
It describes how Apple’s iPAD tablet is a cross between the smartphone and the laptop. The iPAD offers more interactive visual content than a cellphone screen. It utilises navigation with taps, finger swipes and pinch zoom currently not available on a laptop or desktop. It is presented as a feasible and functional learning tool.
The article further describes how the iPAD is designed to offer a crisp visual display and built in wireless connectivity to facilitate easy download of hundreds of thousands of applications. The apps offer a large information consumption and interaction and exploration with a touchscreen interface, web access and large tablet display size. Educational app examples include a flashcard app like Cram, a graphing calculator, vocabulary word games like Word Warp and polling apps like eClicker.
The article discusses the iPAD’s potential to replace printed textbooks and other course material. As an e-reader it allows for searching, bookmarking, tagging and sharing of content which could turn textbooks from a static resource into a learning hub. The evolution of the iPAD is matched by the development of more applications with tools and updates that extend the potential of the iPAD for learning in different educational settings.
Educause does acknowledge that there are downsides to the educational use of iPADs and its applications. These include the fact that their hardware can be expensive and that the number and range of available apps are limited by the exclusive distribution through the iTunes store. Moreover if a whole class was running apps on their iPADs the wireless infrastructure would be tested.
However, with greater knowledge of iPADs and the prospect of more useful applications, education could be the winner. Accompanying the article is a scenario that illustrates how surprisingly effective the introduction of an iPAD and its relative app can be for education.
Online Resource Review (Lisa)
http://www.slidetolearn.info/
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.
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, questionsand examlpes 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.
Bloom’s Taxonomy for iPads (Lisa)
Whilst searching the internet I came across the following information. It’s an interesting graphic that actually places example iPad applications into Bloom’s levels of performance in the cognitive domain. Focussed around students, and not really workplace learning, but interesting nonetheless. Check it out.
