I came across this web site that may be useful to you. The web site is full of ideas and lesson plans incorporating I-Pads into the classroom. Even if you are not a teacher, the site can show you the possibilities of incorporating an I-Pad into the classroom.
On a related note, yesterday I was in Mr. Hyland's middle school history class and I saw first hand how many students have some sort of device that can be used in school. The School Board recently approved a "BYOD" (Bring your own device) policy and I was encouraged how that policy was being used in the classroom to improve the educational experience for students. Mr. Hyland asked his students to bring in a device so they could use it in the class. I saw I-Pads, Kindle Fire's and smartphones being used to enhance instruction. I believe almost every student had a device. It was good stuff!!
Dr. Butler,
ReplyDeleteI'm a parent of a Penn Middle School student and I couldn't agree more. I really think that using the latest devices can enhance learning, assuming that they are used in an appropiate manner for school. The only problem I can see is that not every family can afford the latest greatest thing so wouldn't this put up a barrier between the have's and the have not's?
This is a perpetual issue. Dean Murrin, x-president of Duquesne University and a good friend, promoted that the biggest issue facing our society is how to bridge the gap between the have's and the have-not's. We co-authored a paper in 1998 on how to use technology to bridge that gap. On education, an idea was the development of free on-line cyber resources to supplement district programs, and these resources have since been developed.
DeleteThat is a great question concerning the availability of technology for students. As the year unfolds and if it is determined that Ipads will enhance the learning experience for students, then we will have to determine how to make sure there are not students who do not have access to the needed technology. I want to make sure the technology is enhancing classroom practice and then make sure there are no barriers for students.
DeleteGood program. Is there anyway to quantify the future cost savings of this program? Also, please supplement our programs by encouraging the use of "free" cyber resources to supplement district program, and engage parents in their students education.
ReplyDeleteIf the school district shifts totally away from textbooks, then I believe there will be some cost savings. However, before we get to that point, we must determine if the technology is actually helping students learn. The early results are promising. However, we must make sure that this is the case. The most important thing the school does is educate students. The first thing that I review is the educational impact of a program. Once that is established we move to the budgetary impact for the school district. With that being said, I personally do not encourage a pilot program that I feel will be a financial burden to the school district and all pilot programs underway are operating within the established budget. The administration has reassigned existing money that was budgeted (i.e. textbook costs) and repurposed the money toward something else (Ipads in the classroom). PT has been on the leading edge for over 4 years in incorporating online resources (many of them free) into the classroom.
DeleteDr. Butler,
ReplyDeleteI agree with everything that you are saying, so I must propose the question that seems to be never ending. Why don't we cut the budget for certain items and spend that money on additional learning devices to enhance our education. Example: Cut middle school sports and use that money for education. For middle school age children there are rec programs within our community that are excellent programs that would take the place of middle school activities at no cost to the school district. This would allow you to spend the money budgeted for middle school sports on new electronic devices to be used for learning. It seems very sensible to me and most people in the community that I've spoken to about cutting middle school sports. Please consider this as an option.
Thank you,
Penn Middle Parent
I agree 100% with this statement. Although sports are indeed extremely important, I believe that cutting these programs would clear up a ton of budget room, that in turn can be used for bettering the education of the students. Even a little bit could help in the long run. You are not going to deprive the students of athletics if you cut some of the programs. The community has plenty of well known rec programs that would, like stated above, take the place of these athletics at no cost to the school district.
DeleteDr. Butler please consider this option.
Thank you,
Concerned Penn Middle Parent