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The drive to increase technology use in classrooms has many asking whether the investment is more fizzle than bang, and whether it’s too early to tell how wisely the money is being spent.
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Scooped by Ana Cristina Pratas |
Scoop.it!
Ana Cristina Pratas's insight:
But all too often, iPads are ordered for the classroom and end up not being used very much. Their capabilities are vast, but the actual materials developed for them are still limited to what’s on the market. It isn’t clear that iPads are a good use of most education dollars. At Florida’s recent educational technology conference, attendees heard about a start-up website that aims to create consumer reviews for and by teachers. EduStar hopes to allow teachers to tell how their tech devices are actually changing (or not changing) kids’ classroom experiences. Without real understanding of how a device can be used, schools can too easily fall into buying whatever is the latest fad or buzz.
This article is very similar to the cartoon about the iPad because they both have the same idea that technology might not be what it's all cracked up to be. This article talks about how school districts are shelling out tons of money to get students and classrooms iPads, without even knowing if it is worth it. The author ends by saying there still is not enough data to tell if all the money and technology are even helping the students. The article brings up the fact that a textbook costs about 20% of an iPad. It is even less expensive because it can last many many years without needing to be replaced, or without having to get electronically fixed/maintained.
I agree with what was said in this article, but I wish there was more evidence behind the points the author was making. I do agree that schools should be researching the effects of iPads in the classroom much more before going out and spending millions of dollars. There does need to be test classrooms to show the effects, but after those results, then schools should seriously consider buying iPads. This article is interesting as well as the cartoon because it shows the other side behind technology in the classroom. Most articles and blogs only talk about the benefits of incorporating iPads, and all the awesome new things they can do for your classroom. Nobody ever really sits down, and thinks, "wait, does this even help the students learn?". The students' education should be our number one priority, and sometimes I think people forget that.
After reading this article, I found myself to be slightly less supportive of technology in the classroom. I still believe that some technology is essential like smartboards, or projectors, but now I am not too sure about having iPads in the classroom. Does it actually help them learn, or is it more of a distraction?