As I get ready to help lead a roll out of over 1,100 student iPads in time for the start of the 2013-14 school year at Waukesha North High School, I am beyond excited for our staff, and potential it holds for students that walk through the doors at 2222 Michigan Avenue.
The device alone, will not guarnatee increased student aceivement. This coming from someone who absolutely loves their iPad and Macbook Air. Any advancement in technology, like the ball point pen or pencil, the "tool" alone, will do nothing to improve student achievement if not used to its potential.
The device alone, will not guarnatee increased student aceivement. This coming from someone who absolutely loves their iPad and Macbook Air. Any advancement in technology, like the ball point pen or pencil, the "tool" alone, will do nothing to improve student achievement if not used to its potential.
Technology will never replace a quality teacher in the classroom. With that being said, the iPad is an incredible “tool” for teachers to have at their disposable. It is a versatile device that students can use for so many purposes, formats, and audiences.
What about the teacher? It is, and always will be about the instruction and planning that goes into lesson design, that is when the talents and skill set of the classroom teacher comes in. The iPad will allow for greater opportunities for students to demonstrate, Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, and Reading; the pillars of a quality lesson and to extend their learning beyond the walls of Waukesha North High School.
What about the teacher? It is, and always will be about the instruction and planning that goes into lesson design, that is when the talents and skill set of the classroom teacher comes in. The iPad will allow for greater opportunities for students to demonstrate, Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, and Reading; the pillars of a quality lesson and to extend their learning beyond the walls of Waukesha North High School.
The SAMR Model outlined in the link, is a framework for teachers and students. How do we get students from using the iPad as an enhancement to the transformation phase? How do we guide students up the SAMR model to show evidence of their learning in ways that they did not think possible? This will be our charge as educators.
As Todd Whitakar, eloquently states, “Great teachers know the variable in the classroom: They are. Good teachers consistently strive to improve, and they focus on something they can control – their own performance.”
The iPad will never replace a quality teacher in the classroom that cares about their students. However, the opportunity to transform teaching and learning on a regular basis, is something that iPad can help facilitate and deliver to students.
