iPads are Making a Difference!

iPads, iPads, iPads

What Great Things They Are!!!!

For my college class I did a research project.  This is what I have found out....

  I have learned that iPad integration does have a positive impact on K-5 classroom instruction. There have been several studies done to show that iPads improve instruction in classrooms. Two of the studies conducted focused on math.  Companies completed both of those studies.  Game Desk, one of the companies, conducted a study on a group of fifth grade students in California.  The students  participated in the study by playing Math Motion, a fraction game, for 5 days, 20 minutes per day.  At the end of the study the students took a test and showed a 15% gains. (Wainwright, 2013) Houghton Mifflin Harcourt did the second study. This study was conducted over a one-year period.  Student test scores increased in math by 20%.  These students used iPads instead of textbooks. (Wainwright, 2013)

In a third study done for KIPP Academy in Houston, TX showed that students in a non-traditional classroom, a flipped classroom, which used iPads daily scored 49% higher with a passing rate than students in a traditional classroom without iPads. (Wainwright, 2013) This shows that technology is making a strong positive impact at that school.

The fourth study was conducted in Kent, New England at Longfield Academy by Naace. The students at this school were highly motivated.  They used their iPads mainly in the areas of English, Math, and Science.  They use their iPads for online research, mind mapping, and creating presentations, which impacted the quality of their work.  Not to mention how they as students worked together collaboratively.  The study showed that there was a significant and very positive impact on learning and teaching.   Which reflected in the students’ achievement and attainment. (Walsh, 2013)  All of the studies showed that iPads have a positive impact on instruction and it would be very beneficial to incorporate iPads. 

iPads are a great motivator both for students and teachers.  Teachers need to see that iPads are versatile, powerful tools that are changing the face of education. Teachers need to understand that iPads are a diverse method to delivering instruction and engaging all students.  They also need to keep in mind that children are eager to embrace new technology.  They want to get their hands on iPads and interact with them. They want to explore.  They want to learn and problem solve. Not to mention that students are able to troubleshoot and resolve technology issues. Not to mention that students are able to troubleshoot and resolve technology issues quicker than most adults. (Lovegrove, 2013)

References:

Wainwright, Ashley. "8 Studies Show iPads in the Classroom Improve Education." Blog. IT Solutions Blog. SecurEdge Networks. Secure Edge Networks, 18 Feb. 2013. Web. 6 Apr. 2013. <http://www.securedgenetworks.com/secure-edge-networks-blog/bid/86775/8-Studies-Show-iPads-in-the-Classroom-Improve-Education>.

Lovegrove, Ben. "17 Benefits of using iPads in the Classroom." INKids. INKids Pty. Ltd., 27 Mar. 2013. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. <http://www.inkids.com.au/2013/03/17-benefits-of-ipads-in-classrooms/#more-802>.

Walsh, Kelly. The 2013 Free Education Technology Resources eBook. 2nd ed. EmergingEdTech.com, 2013. EmergingEdTech.com. Web. 4 Apr. 2013. <http://www.emergingedtech.com/ebooks/>.