IPADS IN K-4 SETTING Stories from the Field

Project Proposal Approached by Technology Facilitator

because of previous technology grant Proposal drafted in 2011 Focused on primary grades Chose to purchase iPads

Grade K-2 – Small groups Grade 3 – Class set

January 2012 – Received iPads

First Steps… Overwhelming Tried to do “everything” with iPads No follow up to activities Little real-world application A desire to focus on tools rather than

teaching practices Lack of specific direction Lots of lower-level thinking

Galileo October 2012, came to Ashmont for 2

planning days Outcomes were given to Galileo prior to

meeting Project ideas were discussed and refined Provided framework for inquiry-based

project Catalyst for shift in teaching practice

More effective use of technology More authentic learning tasks

Our Project Social Studies

focus 3.1.4 examine

economic factors that shape communities in other parts of the world

Began by incorporating front matter

Focus on economy in the four countries

Found a way to fit the iPad to the project

Other Uses Language Arts/Writing

Fit well into writers’ workshops (toontastic) Allowed lots of choice when publishing (scribble press)

Social Studies/Science Used for research Google Earth Video editing (hearing video)

Math Centres/basic skills practice

Trials and Tribulations First year: sharing between three classes How to use iPads effectively Digital Citizenship Printing/Sharing projects with parents Theft Lack of student-friendly web resources

No Flash Adequate Wifi access

Highlights Student engagement Authentic Learning Peer-Assessment

Encourages good questions Student-centered work Student Interaction/Group

work Reaches all learning styles

Other Grades 4 iPads per

class

Kindergarten Building Community Project

Grade 1 Moss bag story telling

Grade 2 “Day in the Life” project

Assessment

Self Instant feedback

Peer Focus on criteria

Teacher Pictures/videos Apps

Reflections and the Future Greatly beneficial Shift in teaching practice Student centered possibilities Teachers need to “buy in” Support from Admin is crucial Continuing to grow and improve

Questions?

Thank you!