Recently I visited a
local high school that has integrated ipads into their math curriculum. The
ipads are used as sketch pads for students to work on sample problems during
class. When it is time to review
solutions, the teacher projects student work onto a screen for the whole class
to analyze. This system allowed for an environment where student work is the
main focus, rather than the teacher’s solution. I believe focusing on student
work allows students to have a more active role in their education. When
students feel responsible for their own education, they will be prompted to
learn.
The
ipads are also used to take practice tests at the end of each unit. Students have
unlimited opportunities to take the practice tests and they get credit for their
highest score. This is good practice for students and gives them an idea of how
they will do on the test. If
students do poorly on the practice test, they can assume they will do poorly on
the final test. If this is the case, they will be more motivated to study for
the final test.
This
school was able to integrate technology into the curriculum because the staff
was willing to work with one another to make it possible. Two of the math
teachers worked together to apply for a grant that could purchase several
classroom sets of ipads. The staff also worked with one another to develop the practice
tests for each unit. This was a very tedious task since there needed to be
multiple versions of each practice test. But the staff was motivated to the task and was able to get
it done.
My
visit to this high school showed me how technology can be used effectively to
advance student learning. This is the direction public education is heading. I also realized it is how technology is
used that makes a difference. Having ipads in the classroom will do no good
unless they are used in a way that benefits the students. Educators must put a
lot of thought into how technology is used within the classroom.
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