Week 4: Which 1:1 Device Works Best For Me?

The device I chose to focus on for this assignment is iPad Minis.

Demographics

The target group size would be all students in sixth, seventh and eighth grade which would be somewhere around 900 total students.  The socio-economics of the group is mostly middle to high SES.  At HMS, eighth graders used to be 1:1 with netbooks but are now currently 1:1 with iPad Minis.  In future years, all students will be 1:1 with iPads.

Rationale

After much research, I’ve decided that iPad Minis would be the best choice for my district.  There are two important features that iPad Minis provide are robustness and operating system.  The iPad Minis would come equipped with a protective case and would endure the daily wear and tear of the students.  Second, the operating system would match the teachers’ Macbooks and therefore, transfer seamlessly into classrooms.

Implementation plan

The implementation plan would be to start with the current 8^th graders.  Each year, monies would be budgeted to add another grade when eventually, all students in grades 6-8 would have iPads.

Professional development

After teachers are issued their own iPad Minis, there would be multiple professional development workshops offered throughout the year (and summer) for teachers to work through any problems or share valuable tools they have found when using the Minis.

Anticipated outcomes for success

Like Ben Grey mentioned, one of the most valuable components of an iPad is the fact they allow students to utilize them in an environment in which they feel comfortable.  They are easily transportable and lightweight so students can take them and work on them, virtually anywhere.  In addition, students would enjoy having the freedom to utilize their iPad throughout the day and connecting it with their schoolwork.

Possible problems

One possible problem could be students using the iPads inappropriately.  It would be important that each teacher sets their expectations early in the year so students are clear on what is expected of them.  Free time and work time must have a clear distinction so students understand and can differentiate between the two.  Another problem integrating iPads would be the numerous tools available to educators.  Since there are so many tools, it may be difficult if each teacher is using something different because the students may feel overwhelmed.  In addition, the teachers may feel overwhelmed that they have access to so many great tools but they aren’t sure how best to use it.  Like previously mentioned, it would be really important for the district to continue to offer professional development opportunities so teachers understand the tools available to them and continue to learn about new tools that may be introduced. 

Models to follow

I found so many great examples of how iPads are being utilizing in the classroom.  For example, there is a great video of how iPads affect an elementary school classroom.  Watch below:

When looking for specific examples of how teachers are using iPads in their classrooms and in what ways, I found this awesome Slideshare.  The examples in this Slideshare are so creative and can be used by teachers across all content areas.  The presentation can be found here.

Last but not least, I found an article written by a high school teacher who works at a district that is currently 1:1 with iPads. In the article, he notes a variety of different ways that he, and his colleagues, have been integrating iPads in their own classrooms  and gives specific examples of how it has been working for them.  The article can be found here.

Thoughts from others

When I reached out, I talked to two very different colleagues.  One of my colleagues teaches eighth grade and the other, sixth grade.  Currently, our eighth graders are 1:1 with iPads.  Next year, our sixth graders will be as well so I thought it would be interesting to get two opposite perspectives.  Giving you all a little background knowledge, our eighth graders used to be 1:1 with netbooks and are now 1:1 with iPads.  Since my colleague had endured the switch, I asked him what his thoughts were on the iPads vs. the netbooks.  His response was, “I think the iPads are ten times better than the netbooks.  The iPads are much more mobile and all in all, we have less problems with them than we did with the netbooks.  The thing I like best about the iPads is all of the apps available to teachers.  The most annoying thing about the iPads is that my students don’t always use them appropriately and since they’re smaller than the netbooks were, it’s more difficult to catch them in the act [of playing games].” 

When I asked my colleague who teaches sixth grade what she was looking forward to most about the iPads, she said, “I’m looking forward to being able to utilize different tools with the kids.  [Her aide] and I have already been investigating what might work for the special ed. kids and how that will help them. I’m also looking forward to each of the kids having an iPad because my set of 10 netbooks isn’t cutting it.”  On the other hand, when asked about what she was not looking forward to, she said, “From what I’ve heard [from other teachers] I’m not looking forward to constantly having to worry about if my students are playing games are not.  I hope that doesn’t happen but I think it will be hard to monitor that 24/7.”

Conclusion

When implementing any device into a classroom/school/district, there will always be positives and negatives.  As teachers, it’s always our focus to concentrate on the negatives since that is what we have to continually deal with.  If students are always playing games, when does the learning come in? What’s most important is that we focus on the positives that the devices can bring.  It gives some of our students the ability to utilize a device they might not necessarily have access to at home.  In addition, they are learning how to use all kinds of different devices, which will prepare them for life after high school.  The more they learn and can adapt to different tools and devices, the more prepared they will be to succeed.

Questions

My question to my classmates would be, if your classroom/school/district is 1:1, what device are they using? What is the biggest challenge you face with that device?

I look forward to hearing everyone’s responses!

Additional sources used

Top 3 Problems with Tablets in the Classroom –  http://www.digitalbookworld.com/2013/top-3-problems-with-tablets-in-the-classroom

Choosing the Perfect Tool for 1:1 – http://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ856116.pdf

Pads vs. Netbooks for 1:1 – http://edreach.us/2011/04/01/ipad-vs-netbook-for-a-11/