First Graders with iPads?

          

 
          Although some schools are hesitant to give elementary students iPads, they should hesitate no longer. iPads are a great technology resource to improve reading results in students, along with other subjects. However, for this article purpose, we are focusing on how iPads can benefit students’ literacy. They help teachers as well by creating new and fun lesson plans and strategies. After research and focusing on 6 different groups, their research showed improved scores for students with daily iPad use. For teachers that are hesitant, the authors claim that it was very easy to manage the first grade class with iPads. They even provided useful tips and techniques to get the teacher started and have the students under control when first introducing iPads to their classrooms. The article contains a list of multiple educational apps that improve a student’s reading. These teachers were also capable to incorporate in their teaching, digital citizenship and digital age skills. The article continues to describe some of the downfalls because nothing is perfect. However, the overall there are definitely more benefits than risks to bringing iPads to the classroom. It brings an enjoyable learning environment for all grade levels. iPads take learning beyond the classroom and meet the needs for students who are visual learners and will improve reading.

            At first I was very skeptical about iPads in the classroom because I am no fool to what students can do with technology. I was one of them in high school with my own tablet playing video games during a history lecture. However, when I observed 1^st and 2^nd grade with Chromebooks and the kindergarten with iPads, I found hope.  They understood digital citizenship and skills incredibly faster as when I did while I was in school. If I had resources like these, I am sure reading and writing wouldn’t be weaknesses of mine like they are today. Today, getting students to enjoy reading can be difficult. With the luck of iPads they made reading fun and enjoyable. iPads can turn reading as a weakness and develop it into a strength. As a future middle school or elementary school teacher, I feel that I will use iPads in my class. It brings a fun learning environment to the classroom.

            This article focuses on both ISTE standards for students and teachers. Standard 5 for students is Digital citizenship and is when students “exhibit a positive attitude toward using technology that supports collaboration, learning, and productivity.” These students eagerly wait to play educational reading, writing, and vocabulary app games. Standard 2 for teachers is Design and Develop digital age learning experiences and assessments and is when teachers “design and adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity.” iPads not just improve students, but help teachers as well!

Will you have iPads in your classroom?  

Getting S. & Swainey K. (2012 August). First Graders with iPads. Learning & Leading with Technology, 40(1), 24-27.