Week 6

This course seems like it has gone so incredibly fast. Can you believe we're into our 6th week already? I definitely can't!! This week the topic of my blog is all about  mobiles phones and iPads, and whether or not the help learning within a classroom. 

Source: Google Images

I believe that introducing smart phones and iPads into classrooms to use as learning tools is a great idea. Technology is becoming more and more advanced as the years pass by. Children in the 21st Century are extremely technological savvy and thrive to get their hands on it. Technology is being used more in day to day life for many activities. Phones are used for calling people, playing games and texting. Computers are used to contact people via emails and Skype as well as writing assignments. So imagine what we could do by introducing smart phones and iPads into classrooms, the possibilities are endless. Teaching is about growing, be resilient and adapting to change. In order to do this, we need to grow with the children and teaching them ways in which interests them.

I have constructed a SWOT chart to help voice my opinions on introducing these types of technologies  into classrooms.

STRENGTHS    Ø Supports children's interests ØGives students the opportunity to  learn new skills   ØIt is up to date with current technologies  ØMost students own smart phone and/or iPads ØAllows student to gain a sense of ownership over their own learning ØEngages students	WEAKNESSES   Ø Some student do not have access to this technology.   Ø This form of technology can be expensive.   Ø May cause the students to become distracted.    ØStudent's may become anti-social    Ø Some student's have difficulties using this form of              technology.
OPPORTUNITIES   Ø Allows students to access new technologies and ways of learning.     Ø Students gain new skills and ideas of how to use technology.    Ø Gives students multiple ways of accessing the internet.    ØAllows the students more opportunities of assignment formats.	THREATS    Ø Some websites are inappropriate    Ø Students may uses these technology devices incorrectly.    Ø It is easy upload inappropriate content    ØCopy right becomes an issue

Source: Google Images

Throughout this course we have been introduced to many learning tools, sites and applications that can all be accessed via the internet on smart phones and iPads. All of which can easily be implemented into a classroom. One of the applications we were exposed to was called Prezi. Prezi is an amazing tool where students are able to create a presentation which is very similar to a PowerPoint, however, it is more engaging and interesting. Another learning tool that we were introduced to was an application known at Audio Boo. This digital learning tool allows students to record their voices on many different devices via the internet or downloaded from iTunes. If smart phones and iPads were introduced into classrooms, applications like this would allow students to take interest in their own learning, and in return, children would gain accesses to new ways of learning. Educators would be able to run an activity such as this with ease as most students understand how applications on iPads and smart phones work. 

Source: Google Images

In my brothers current primary school, there is a class which is devoted to iPads. Each student is given their own iPad to have throughout the year which MUST stay at the school and used for educational purposes only. Applications are downloaded to help students with mathematics, english and science. He comes home from school every day explaining how he uses his iPad to take notes, complete set tasks, access the internet and complete assignments. Some of the apps my brother interacts in consist of Sky View Explore: for Science, Math Bingo: for Math and School A - Z: for English. He has became a lot more engaged and focused in his school work ever since iPads were introduced into his school, so imagine how the students would react if they were introduced to using smart phones? The opportunities will become endless. 

Source: Google Images

I believe that if these digital technologies were to be introduced into all schools, there would be a lot to
consider. I would try to minimise all threats and weaknesses to the best of my ability and ensure that the devices were used purely for educations purposes. Overall I think that by exposing children to smart phones and iPads, it would definitely assist in helping students learning. Especially considering it targets the students major interests. For this to work well it needs to be done so in a supervised environment where teachers can attend the students needs at all times. 

Teachers in this era say that the educational system does not allow them any time to make learning fun. However, I believe that anything is possible. Teaching children through digital technologies such as smart phones and iPads, incorporates the four key components to learning; active engagement, participation in groups, frequent engagement in feedback and interaction with the read world. Through the use of these digital tools, you are able to reach different learning styles. Therefore, I believe, if used appropriately and purely for an educational purpose, these devices can help with learning within a classroom. Below is a video about smart phones being introduced into classrooms. 

Teaching is all about being adapting to change and being resilient. Therefore, using technology is becoming essential within classrooms. Teachers need to assist to the students wants and needs. Therefore, teaching them in such where you can incorporate smart phones and iPads, means you're attending to their interest and enriching their learning. 

"Teachers will not be replaced by technology, but teachers who don't use technology will be replaces by those who do". - Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach 

Jenny Abel