Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

The article that I found was a about a field test that was taken in Canada with different schools in the area. It was a time where iPads and iPod touches were introduced in the states for classroom use and finally reached Canada. After reading the article I took three main ideas from the article that are true and helpful for the library.

 The first point was that the students responded positively to the iPod touches and iPads being brought into the school. On the elementary level the students were excited to work with the devices because it was as if they were working with video games. The high school students enjoyed it because they were able to research current information and receive instant feedback. The devices sparked an instant interest in the students and motivated them to learn.

 Second point was because they were introducing the devices to the classroom the teachers had to become students first and learn how to use them. They could not just give the teachers the devices without training them on how to use them. The teachers realized how convenient the devices were as well. Again, they could give instant feedback and create new and innovative lessons for their students.

 Lastly, the school and district would have to accommodate the devices by adding a "digital common" that would allow the teachers to add more apps and share more (Crichton et al., 2012). With iPads and iPod touch being linked with ITunes, there has to be a computer that they could use that would allow the task of syncing and sharing. ITunes is usually set-up with one main account for purchases and syncing and using this in district would require more than one account or a "digital common" (Crichton et al., 2012). Therefore, schools would have to make sure they are prepared to adapt the use of these devices by making sure their school is equipped with the proper wireless internet and support staff.

 IPads and iPod touch have already been introduced in my district and I have not been able to use them because there were not enough for everyone. However, once I am in the library I am eager to begin to introduce to the students new techniques in research, presentations, reading books and more. There are apps that will help with literacy for the younger grades that I can use. Phonics apps are beneficial with my bilingual and monolingual students because it is hands-on and they can get a variety of practice without the use of pen and paper. This generation is all about quick, easy and fast and with the devices they will receive just that. Applications like iMovie will be great with my older students to present projects without using the traditional PowerPoint. With the use of these devices I can sync data to share with administrators and staff on what needs to be improved or what is working. This will indeed improve literacy on my campus which is the main focus this year.

 References

 Crichton, S., Pegler, K., & White, D. (2012). Personal devices in public settings: Lessons learned                        from an iPod touch / iPad project. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 10(1), 23-31.