iPads for Teaching and Learning

iPads offer educators more diverse methods for delivering instruction and engaging students for learning in the 21st century. There are many advantages of iPads for students and teachers. Not only do iPads have a cool factor, they most importantly are rather a powerful, versatile tool that is virtually changing the face of education. iPads are flexible and can be individualized to each student and their specific needs. There are several advantages of the iPad. One advantage of the iPad is that it creates a less stressful environment for the teacher. Thanks to iPads, teachers can give assessments, class work, and homework via iPad application. When assessments were taken with pencil and paper, it would take an overnight process for teachers to grade papers and put grades into the computer. Now, when assessments are taken, there is immediate gratification. The teacher and student can see their grades and see areas of struggle or excellence. Another advantage students have while using iPads is that they have the world at their fingertips. When using an iPad, you have the ability to know anything in a number of seconds. You can discover information on google, read iBooks, watch Ted Talks, or create projects. The advantages of iPads are endless for students.

Keeping students engaged every day is a struggle for all teachers. Although, when we allow students to use technology, which is something they are familiar with, it sparks a whole new excitement and engagement for learning. In the United States, most students beginning at the age of two-years-old are constantly bombarded with technology, i.e. cell phones, Xbox 360, PlayStation, and television. It is the 21st century if we can make the classroom a technology-rich environment, I believe that students will be fully engaged because it is something they are interested in. Technology is the future of education and it engages the four key components of learning: active engagement, participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback, and professional development. Also, the iPad is also transportable, so it is easy to maneuver around the classroom and share information with friends or when working in groups. Often when students are engaged in their work, they don’t realize how much information they are learning and how far they can push themselves. When students are enjoying their school work and noticing the results of their learning, it can completely change a student’s attitude about school in general. iPads allow students to be excited about what they are learning and, in my opinion, that is the main goal.

Media literacy has become the new trend throughout elementary schools all the way to universities. It is important to embrace the digitalization of traditionally printed materials and for students to learn how to process information differently. Digital Textbooks are incredible tools in the worlds of technology and education. Digital textbooks are environmentally friendly by taking part in conserving natural resources by helping switch to a paperless classroom. Not only is it safer for the environment, but it is also safer for the school’s bank account as well. Digital textbooks cost 50-60% less than printed versions. There are millions of online textbooks, this benefits the students by only having to carry one lightweight iPad for each subject instead of largely printed textbooks and leveled readers that take up storage space in the classroom. When using digital textbooks on the iPad for reading and fluency, it gives students the opportunity to record themselves and build confidence while reading. It lets students self-reflect recognize their strengths and weaknesses in reading and fluency. While reading on the iPad, you are able to change the font, text size, the color of the background, control light settings, and also high light important information when reading. Digital textbooks most importantly can adapt easily to each students preference or specific need.

iPads can help students create and improve different learning styles and can also break down barriers for students with disabilities. iPads create a willingness for students to learn because they enjoy technology so immediately students become engaged and step out of their comfort zones. The iPad was specially designed for students with special needs. It is simple and easy to navigate; most students use their fingers to slide across the screen to go to apps or create art. When using their fingers on the iPad, it helps students feel connected to their work. When students are working on the iPad, they tend to work toward reaching their individual goals because they don't realize they are learning. In the iPad’s accessibility features, it has an option in general settings called, “Guided Access”. This holds the iPad screen onto one specific app for the student so that they may stay focused on the task at hand and not wander onto different applications. On the iPads, there is a specific software called, "Proloquo2go Kids" for students who have special needs, autism, and who are non-verbal. This software allows students who are non-verbal to push buttons on the iPad and be able to speak using words. It allows them to communicate with their family and teachers and has improved their quality of learning and engagement in the classroom.

Hello! My name is Taylor Nash. I was raised in a very small town, Altoona, Alabama, and graduated from West End High School in 2014. The following year, I decided to further my education at Snead State Community College and graduated in the summer of 2016 with an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood/ Elementary Education. Shortly after, I transferred to Jacksonville State University where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood/Elementary Education.

Email: tnash@stu.jsu.edu
Website: https://misstaylornash.blogspot.com/
Phone: (205) 353-3805
Twitter: @mstaylornash