Below is a google docs spreadsheet designed to record how the variety of tablets on the market can best be used at the elementary and secondary levels, in addition to how specific features may be better suited for these levels.
Tablet Comparisons Based on Features
http://www.tabletpccomparison.net/
10 Tech Skills every student should have
https://acrobat.com/#d=Rzy32jC0ZhfX7ohGqVnBrg
Gadgets to dominate in class, tablets will need to let us take notes
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/fbf92228-6725-11e1-9e53-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1orGJNjll
15 Ways To Use The New iPad In Classrooms
http://edudemic.com/2012/03/new-ipad-education/
Ideas for iPad Use in the Classroom
https://acrobat.com/#d=1uY14eBK*EkjXjDk8hUj5A
http://edudemic.com/2012/03/new-ipad-education/
Ideas for iPad Use in the Classroom
https://acrobat.com/#d=1uY14eBK*EkjXjDk8hUj5A
After reading an article from The Financial Times, which I have posted above, "Gadgets: To dominate in class, tablets will need to let us take notes," my tablet concerns were validated. As an 8th grade Language Arts Literacy teacher, writing and taking notes are a large part of the curriculum. Typing digitally on a tablet for any purpose can be a cumbersome and time-consuming task. According to the article, "While we believe tablets will continue to grow, they may not be the tool of choice for a student – touch is really cool and fast(in some aspects), but the tablet has yet to be shown to be a really good input device for taking notes." This may be an important concern to consider...a tablet with a keyboard may be a better choice.
ReplyDeleteI'm not able to post the link here, but cnet just did a story describing all the new keyboard covers that are available for the iPad. The prices have also become much more affordable. That adds a full keyboard with spring keys to an iPad, but it also functions as a cover.
DeleteNick...can you email me the link so I can post it?
DeleteIn my mind, there are a lot of "common" tasks that the tablet can perform for both the secondary and the elementary student; but, there are also differences. I can see both elementary and secondary students both using some kind of flash card app as well as the Internet. I agree with Sally, notetaking on the tablet is cumbersome. The elementary students would do better in typing in short sentences and paragraphs than the secondary students. I think the web, watching videos, reading, and apps can be identified as common tasks for both levels. I think the elementary grade levels benefit more from the "touch" aspect than the secondary. "Jail breaking" and downloading seem to me to be greater threats for the older student than the younger ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm really not that familiar with the IPad or other tablets and that is one of the reasons I am on the committee to learn more. I can say what some of the needs are for the elementary school teachers and students.After speaking to number of elelmentary school teachers I found out that they would like to be able to use the Ipad or another tablet that would allow them to take virtual field trips (since we have no money to take real trips) both in Science and Social Studies. Updated science materials, live telacummunication with NASA, weather, etc. is something else they would like to be able to do. Also, having novels avaliable on grade level was another request, and having one tablet per student would be ideal.
ReplyDelete