The hype is all well and good, but when it comes time to actually use a new device, things aren't so simple. Take the iPad, for example. It's big in the news right now, and the thing is undeniably cool. But there is a bridge of questions that needs to be crossed before you can turn exciting potential into concrete reality within your teaching situation. For now, however, it can be helpful to simply view how other educators are making use of iPads. What are teachers slightly ahead of you on the technology adoption curve doing? So that's what we'll focus on here: three case scenarios of iPads in the classroom. Not all of these are focused on language learning, but the aim here is to simply give interested yet overwhelmed teachers a chance to see some examples of how it's being done. I invite you to take a few minutes and check out the videos below. Hopefully after you've done so, you'll have a wider view of what's possible for you and your students.
Case 1: Archbishop Mitty HS iPad pilot program (San Jose, California)
This article over at Siliconvally.com chronicles how the entire school is jumping in head first into using iPads with their students. Basic issues are addressed, such as who controls the iPads, how many are currently being used, how the school is managing the costs involved, and some of the main apps and accessories that teachers are making use of. For now, just watch:
Case 2: The iPad for building literacy
Here is a totally cute and well-produced little clip featuring elementary school children in the States. They talk about how they are using iPads in their class for learning how to read. This one is good for language teachers, as the activities and apps they feature are easily transferable to an ELT setting. Check it out:
Case 3: How one teacher personally uses his iPad
Whereas the first case modeled program-wide iPad implementation and the second looked at specific usage examples, this final case showcases one teacher's perspective. Bob Smith's presentation runs about 14 minutes and introduces the iPad in an accessible way to educators who are just beginning to think about using this technology. Issues covered include the iPad's form factor and cost, student uses, the advantages of e-textbooks, faculty uses, classroom management (via the app Teacher's Attaché), and giving traditional presentations (via Keynote). The app Sadun's Whiteboard, an app that turns your iPad into an electronic smart board, is also demonstrated.
From watching these clips, what has stood out for you?
Note: the photo above was taken from this page.
