Module 1 Emerged Technology

A current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning is the Apple iPad. Many schools have adopted the iPad into their classrooms. Using effective information and communication technologies in the classroom helps with positive outcomes in the schools. Bindu Rana, R D head at Educomp, an education services company, says “In a changing world, if we teach children today the way we were taught yesterday, we rob them of tomorrow. Ten years from now, when they graduate from schools, they will need different skills than we did” (Patnaik and Vijay, 2011). IPads give students easy access to apps that can go along with lessons. “Students learn best when they are constructors of their own knowledge. Students who are taught in ways that honor their learning styles and dominant intelligences retain the native engagement with learning with which they enters school” (Thornburg, 2009). One of the main reasons of why the iPads work so well is that many of the apps do not use the keyboard. This makes it easier for younger students to begin to work immediate on a project often without training, Teachers are hoping that games and simulations will help students learn at their own levels. Students can start out at a level that is right for them and then progress at their own level. It will almost be like each student has their own Individual educational Plan rather than just certain students that have learning problems. Using iPads in education is not a bad idea. There are many reasons that iPads have not worked out as well as the schools have thought. They might have been purchased without having a clear game plan of their use in the school. They school might not have though of the budget they would need to purchase software to be able to use the iPads in the class. IPads also can be a distraction in the classroom when traveling to other sites such as youtube and Facebook. There is the thought of the expense of fixing the broken iPads. They are durable, but give children technology and they are bound to have mishaps. To make this a better technology in the classroom, the schools need to make sure the teachers are trained to use it properly. The iPad has to be introduced properly to both teachers and students in order for it to be a successful tool in the classroom otherwise it will just be another great teaching tool that is left on the computer cart. A central theme in school is that we need to prepare students for their future, not for our past. (Thornburg, 2009). References Patnaik,A. and Vijay, S. Hindustan Times. Education in the age of the iPad. New Delhi. September 17, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.hindustantimes.com/News-Feed/Chunk-HT-UI-NCRSchool2011-TopStories/Education-in-the-age-of-the-iPad/Article1-746930.aspx Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration. Following Latisha: lrtscg@blogspot.com Ellen: ellenprescott.wordpress.com Sarita: https://plus.google.com/106590478863460386927#106590478863460386927/posts