Laptops for all!!

Wow! This school district in South Carolina gave a laptop to every student from 3-12th grades. The article is a question and answer type article that explains how the school does assessments and how they went about undertaking this big task. Interestingly they had people along the whole spectrum: teachers who were eager to try it to those who threatened to leave if the school district went through with the plan. They went through with the plan alright and they claim that their statistics all around are improving. Students are achieving better on tests, attendance rates are up and drop out rates are down.

It seems that this would not only be an interesting thing to do as far as technology is concerned but also sustainability. I wonder how much paper they are saving by doing so much schooling electronically. This was a very inspiring and interesting article.

McCrea, B. (11/16/11). Measuring 1:1 Results. The Journal. Retrieved from: http://thejournal.com/Articles/2011/11/16/Measuring-11-Results.aspx?Page=1

You Go Girl!

This article included a list of websites that would appeal to girls and encourage their use of technology.  I have showed each website to my daughter, Ella, and I am going to podcast her thoughts about some of them.  I am also going to ask her some questions about technology and what she thinks about it!

As a mom, I am excited, yet nervous, about the increasing use of technology.   As technology increases opportunities for teaching kids in a variety of ways it equally becomes more dangerous with inappropriate websites they could accidentally stumble upon and people online who are anonymous and have improper motives.

Enjoy this podcast discussion between Ella and myself.



Sutton, B. (09/06/2006).  Technology: You Go Girl!. Edutopia. Retrieved from: http://www.edutopia.org/technology-resources-girls

the iPad.. not just for Angry Birds anymore.

In his article Teaching and Learning: Using iPads in the Classroom, Ben Johnson details a number of ways that a teacher might use an iPad in their classroom.  He discusses the fact that although the computer was supposed to revolutionize the classroom, in his opinion, it hasn't made that much of an impact.  However, he believes with the mobility and cost of the iPad there is a much bigger chance for the iPad to have an influence on classroom quality.  He goes on to explain why he believes that this tool will be innovative in the classroom including the opportunity for kinesthetic- bodily learners, who he believes to be the majority of learners,  to learn in a way that is more applicable and engaging for them.  

Johnson also explains a number of different applications available on the ipad that would bring technology into many otherwise mundane lessons; especially in the area of physics.  These different apps would engage students in experiential learning not found in any other way. 

The portability of the iPad is another feature that contributes to providing opportunities to teach with innovation and engagement and enhances it's effectiveness.  


Personally, I am sure that the iPad has many different applications and would provide students with experiential learning not found in traditional methods or even with a stationary computer.  However, as a realist, I know how expensive providing iPads for each student could be and because they are mobile - they would be difficult to keep them in the classrooms.  I am not sure however whether those practical cons are worth stomping out the dreams of an idealistic teacher who has high hopes in using the iPad in her classroom.  I am encouraged to give it a try with students who I would believe to be responsible and could benefit from such interaction.  How fun to put technology in students hand who might otherwise not have access!  I think with the right sort of accountability and funds a teacher could use an iPad effectively and engagingly and help students learn in a new and exciting way.

Johnson, B. (10/31/2011).  Teaching and Learning:  Using Ipads in the Classroom. Edutopia. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/ipad-teaching-learning-apps-ben-johnson