I recently read an article by Deanna C.C. Peluso who
discussed using resource tools such as iPads in the classroom setting. Peluso
noted that many schools throughout North America do not provide students with hand-held
devices to use in the classroom. However, many teachers are allowing students
to bring personal devices to school for educational purposes, such as research,
and to access educational applications or “apps” to accomplish learning
objectives. Peluso questioned if iPads were educationally beneficial and if allowing
students to bring iPads in the classroom was just a “bandwagon effect” for
teachers to integrate technology after President Barack Obama’s “Educate to Innovate”
campaign, which encouraged educators to incorporate contemporary technologies
in the classroom. Contemporary society requires “educational curriculum and
teachers to engage in the role of preparing young people for escalating
expectations and demands of the globalized workplace” (Peluso, 2012, p. 125).
There
are professional development opportunities which acknowledge revolutionary
resources as a necessity to students’ lives. These sessions expose teachers to innovative
technologies that formalize learning in ways that students interact with
technology. Peluso suggested that researchers continue to investigate how iPads
can be appropriately integrated into the classroom setting. Likewise, Peluso added that researchers need to
seek feedback from students on which applications helped them to learn concepts
and to compile a list of appropriate learning “apps” for students to use inside
of the classroom.
Reference
Peluso,
D. (2012). The fast-paced iPad revolution: Can educators stay up to date and
relevant about these ubiquitous devices? British
Journal of Educational Technology, 43(4), E125-E127. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-8535.2012.01310.x
Interesting article Allatesha!! Thanks for sharing! This is right in line with the research I am currently doing. Are you thinking about looking at something along these lines for your dissertation? How can you relate this article to your study?
ReplyDeleteI’m not sure if I will use this particular article for my dissertation. I found it during a search for other articles on technology integration and professional development. I try to read various articles to gain more knowledge about my topic. I found it interesting that the author used the phrase “bandwagon effect” in relationship to teachers integrating technology. I have observed a couple of teachers at my school who acquiesce and attempt to integrate technology in order to receive satisfactory feedback from administrators without fully understanding how various technological tools are beneficial to our students.
DeleteYes, I agree! I ended up reading the entire article and agree that simply using the devices in the classroom does not increase achievement or engagement. We must learn to integrate the devices appropriately into the curriculum.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! I wish we had more time to discuss this topic. Thank you for a wonderful semester!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your critical and interesting perspectives on the growing issue of technology use within the classroom. The pedagogical concerns are only increasing with BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) initiatives becoming the common solution to resolve the lack of resources in a class.
ReplyDeleteI might suggest Jacobs, G. (2012). Rethinking Common Assumptions About Adolescents' Motivation to Use Technology In and Out of School, or to address some of the issues surrounding media within contemporary society, Jenkins (2012) book, Spreadable Media.
Cheers,
Deanna