Blog Post #1 "Managing and Maximizing a Class Set of iPads"

In the article, “Learning Connections: Managing and Maximizing a Class Set of iPads,” teachers discuss how educators must overcome daily challenges to integrate technology, specifically iPads, in the classroom for a positive impact. The journal entry specifically focuses on Flagstaff Unified School District (FUSD) who, in 2010, received 30 iPads and were challenged to use them in the classroom with students and then to report how the interaction went. The iPads were then distributed to fifth grade students in three different classrooms all of which were from different cultural, socioeconomic, and educational backgrounds. Overall, the teachers found that the students were very excited about assignments when using the iPad and were always on task. One child even stated that he didn’t want to be absent from school because he didn’t want to miss out on using the iPad. Teachers also noticed that their role as facilitators was becoming minimal because the iPad was able to answer most questions for the students. Because of the great response from students and teachers, FUSD decided to reward additional classes with iPads.

Learning about how excited elementary students got over incorporating technology was very intriguing to me as an up-and-coming teacher. It was intriguing because it shows that new techniques and new teaching methods do work and are effective. I was not surprised that more students stayed on task while using the iPads. For me, visual learning has always been intriguing and I think elementary aged students will remain intrigued if they are able to explore different concepts through different technology. One thing that did worry me about the article was that the teachers recognized that their role became minimal when the students were using technology. Although, I think it is important and necessary for students to learn from different techniques, I do find it scary that a teachers role could be revoked so much.

This article related to the ISTE NETS performance indicator number six, “Technology Operations and Concepts.” This performance indicator highlights that students should have a good understanding of how to use technology and its applications. By allowing elementary school students to use advanced technology, they are learning skills for the real-world. They were able to select and use applications effectively and productively. I think it is important to continue using technology such as iPads in classrooms so students can learn more technological skills. 

Conn, C. (2012). Learning connections. Managing and Maximizing a Class Set of iPads,  39(8).