Northrop, L., & Killen, E. (2013). A Framework for Using iPads to Build Early
Literacy Skills. Reading Teacher, 66(7), 531-537.
The article I chose to review discusses how to integrate iPads
effectively in the classroom to teach early literacy skills. The article, A Framework for Using iPads to
Build Early Literacy Skills caught my attention because the teachers in my
district were given iPads last year to use in the classroom. I have struggled with how to use it
effectively and found this article to have some good suggestions. Many, if not almost all, of our students have
access to tablets and smartphones at home and using them at school is a great
way to connect the learning activities.
Integrating technology is an important part of an elementary classroom
in the 21st century. The
article states that using technology can increase student motivation and
engagement. But, it also states that
students sometimes become distracted by the animations or enhanced content and
do not recall as many details when reading e-books than when reading a paper
book. It also cautions teachers that
just because a student can manipulate the app doesn’t mean they understand the
content of the app. Sometimes students
just click and click until they get it correct and are not actually paying
attention to the content.
Reflection:As an early childhood teacher, I like the framework they used for integrating the iPad into the classroom/student centers. They begin with the teacher explaining/teaching the concept without the iPad. Next, the teacher explains and models the app. The teacher discusses the concept that is going to be practiced and then models how to use the app. The students then do guided practice with the app. The teacher asks questions to guide the students on the content and check for understanding. The final step is letting the students use the app for independent practice once they have a solid understanding of how the app works and the content being practiced.
The article also provided a list of recommended apps to use for practicing early literacy skills that I can’t wait to check out!
Melissa...your article touches home with me in the sense that proper integration of iPads is where we are at schools today and the need to teach early literacy skills will make all the difference to our students. An advantage of effective integration would bring about motivation and engagement. A disadvantage comes in the form of major distractions that cause lack of focus on the lesson due to playing unsanctioned games or enjoying the colorful interactive sites in class. Until they understand the disrespect they are causing by distracting others this will always be a problem. A great teacher is like a football coach. They explain, model, then practice over and over again until it becomes second nature. That's exactly how elementary through professionals get it. Thank You...!
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, once the students have been taught how to use this tools, learning will be way interesting. Educators also need to be taught to use these new apps, there are many tools that i have clue how to use them, but once I learn and play with them things will work out well.
ReplyDeleteI think using iPads in the classroom is a great ideas. As you said most of the students have smartphones and tablets at home. By implementing iPads into instruction, teachers are able to make learning more meaningful to students by tying it to something they are familiar with and have an interest in,
ReplyDelete