Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

5 Ways Teachers can use Tablets in the Classroom

This article was featured in a University of Phoenix online Magazine entitled Phoenix Forward Magazine in 2013.  Yaremich interviews Kathy Cook, the Director of Educational Technology at the University of Phoenix.

1st key point

 Help Student's become Global Learners.  The article's first subheading was one of the biggest key points mentioned.  Through the use of the camera and various programs like Skype and Face Time students have access to more opportunities for guest lecturers and expert speakers.  No field trip required.  Yaremich teaches, “For example, if a student is conducting a scientific report … the student might reach out and conduct a short interview with a scientist” (Yaremich 2013).

2nd key point

The students can generate content section mentions the fact that the programs within a tablet/iPad are so user friendly that the students can easily put together a presentation or project to put the learning in their own hands.  To be specific, Yaremich states, "Making original content is perfect for project-based learning, she adds, pointing out that students can use the camera on the device to capture images and videos, and the writing capabilities to create various projects" (Yaremich, 2013).

3rd key point

The flexibility available with hand held devices make them a tool for adaptive learning.  Students with learning disorders, Autism, students learning English, etc... all have programs available to help them progress where they are on their level.  

Suggested uses in the library

Take advantage of the e-books available.  Students who prefer to read on a Kindle or other hand held device might be excited if the librarian showed them how to check out books for their device through their library or through their local public library.  This would be an easy way to reach students who love to read while craving technology at the same time.  The librarian could do this as a class lesson or if there is not any time available then the librarian could have an after school demonstration for students who are interested.

As far as utilizing the key points mentioned, it would be neat for students to use the iPads or devices to make video book recommendations or book previews to be playing in the library on a closed circuit TV or be featured on the library’s website. 

Students could reach out to authors, view author’s websites, and have interactive web experiences to go along with their reading.  An example of this would be if a student read Owen and Mzee then they could log into the device and visit the Owen and Mzee website to view the animals and get updates on them.

Reference:

Yaremich, Marissa.  (2013).  5 ways teachers can use tablets in the classroom.  Phoenix Forward Magazine.  Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/phoenix/pdf/5-ways-teachers-can-use-tablets-in-the-classroom.pdf