26 | ROUNDTABLE: TABLETS IN SCHOOLS | PRIMARY AND SECONDARY
W:
edtechnology.co.uk | T: @Educ_Technology
“We introduced iPads as part of a strong partnership with our parents who got behind our vision for working 1:1”
teachers noticed an increase in pupil motivation.
SM: They enhance them. Tablets will never substitute traditional teaching methods, for example, front of house teaching, but will enhance the lesson making it more engaging.
DT: The majority of our tablet use initially was blended in with traditional models of teaching and the lessons were enhanced. As we began to explore the huge potential of the iPads to deepen and personalise learning, we began to explore different models. By publishing our courses to students and parents through iTunes U for example, we are hoping to use more and more flipped learning. When students arrive in the lesson having studied the lesson material online beforehand, we are able to spend more of the lesson applying, analysing, evaluating and creating new knowledge and skills. Using this approach our students have become more confident and independent.
Do children enjoy using tablets in schools?
LC: They thoroughly enjoy the instant access to information, the alternative methods of addressing a task, the creativity that can be brought to the table and the personalisation that working on a 1:1 tablet brings. The fact that work can be started and then continued on the go is a particular bonus for them.
MP: Again in our research, in the 40 schools using 1:1 tablets, 87% of pupils agreed that using their tablet had helped them enjoy learning at their school. We have noticed marked improvements in pupil engagement through beter atendance, beter behaviour, higher quality work leading to higher atainment.
SM: In our experiences children using tablets in the classroom find the lesson more exciting providing the tablets are used in a way that benefits the lesson or activity.
DT: Our students have reported significant benefits in using the technology. Student surveys have reported that their enjoyment of learning has greatly increased. Sanctions have dramatically fallen as well. Students report that they enjoy having greater
responsibility for managing their own learning, appreciate the improved communication and speed of feedback from their teachers and the increased creativity they are able to show by using the tools. The many and varied ways in which our examination students have been able to share resources and support each other online has been a great boost to their exam preparation.
Are tablets a good investment? And, can every
school realistically provide 1:1 tablets? LC: In my opinion they’re an essential investment
to prepare pupils for their future. They need to be digitally literate and if schools can’t afford to invest, I’d seriously advise them to look at charitable donation schemes and/or ‘bring your own device’ (BYOD) schemes. Lifting the ban on the use of mobile phones that some schools impose would mean that they could utilise the massive potential for mobile learning that many pupils have at their fingertips. The average teenager has more technological power in their pocket than sent man to the moon – use it for learning and it becomes about more than texting and social media.
MP: The benefits to pedagogy mean that tablets are most definitely an excellent investment. Our most important recommendation is to do your research before you make that significant investment. Tablets for schools has put together a downloadable toolkit with advice for schools for a successful implementation of 1:1 tablets. Our research has shown that there can be cost
benefits too, 19% of schools using tablets said they had removed or were in the process of removing their computer suites. Schools noticed cost reductions on stationery, computers, textbooks and printing. On balance, schools have told us that the cost savings balance themselves out with the costs of the tablets so that schools come out even. Half of the teachers questioned welcomed the flexibility and improved access to IT that tablets provide as well as the much larger range of learning content than provided by traditional textbooks. As for realistically providing 1:1 tablets – we believe
that the benefits of tablets should be available for all students, not just those privileged enough to have tablets at home. We are commited to ensuring that a 'digital divide' doesn’t develop as a result of unequal access to technology. Tablet use is increasing exponentially across the world, and we need to prepare UK students for this competitive environment. Tablets can play a crucial role in helping our students reach the levels of atainment and technological awareness needed for the
UK to compete globally.
SM: The ideal dream has always been for every child to have the use of a PC or laptop. The restrictions on budget have meant that in studies children sometimes rarely get access to computing in the classroom. The revolution of the tablet means that the dream of every child having their own personal computing device is now more of a reality.
DT: We introduced iPads as part of a strong partnership with our parents who got behind our vision for working 1:1. We believe that a strong vision, thorough staff development and the engagement of students and parents on the journey can produce a transformation in the way students learn. That is our core business so we invested in this rather than other priorities. Each school will make their own decisions. ET
Image:
dreamstime.com
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74