Module 6: Transforming Learning.

Module 6

The use of iPads in classroom is certainly transforming learning.
I really like what the SAMR Model tells us about how to transform our teaching with the use of technology in hope that it allows us to redesign our tasks for students and eventually allow students to complete tasks in a way that was previously inconceivable. I have found this continuum helpful as model in programming conference meetings with peers. I have seen myself over the years move through this model. When I first began to use technology in teaching, it was a simple substitute for another task. For example we would word process our written work. Where as now, I am sometimes left in awe of some of the things my students produce with the use of technology.
I find that technology can transform my teaching especially when working with text types. Rarely these days is the children final product simply hand written on a piece of paper. It certainly does involve the children putting pen to paper, but more often than not a final presentation may be in the form of an e-publication, movie, or audio recording.

Our Stage 2 classes recently went on an excursion to the Sydney Observatory. One of the Apps they recommended was Star Walk. Nothing can replace a real excursion, but what kids could see in their classrooms with the Star Walk was in fact a great deal more than the could see through a telescope at the Observatory. A simple app like this can spark an interest in students who may not have a great deal of life experiences to draw from. These devises are certainly bringing a a rich variety of experiences into the classroom.

Useful Apps From this Module.

Timeline Eons App is great for history students - I will definitely suggest this to my own children in high school. Puts events into perspective and gives them a snapshot of a period in time. I was amazed by the things I "accidentally" learnt while exploring this App.

Skitch- What a fantastic way to annotate photos. Kids could simply use the iPads to take the photos and once they have annotate them. A great way for student s to be able to record their work. A great way to brainstorm- particularly good for visual learners.



Glo Bible has a great feature showing the main gospel writers books in a sequence with chapter headings and a key event in each chapter. This is very helpful for teaches who are needing to quickly search for a particular text. It is also helpful when doing a gospel comparison.


Blogging on the ipad is something that I really don't enjoy doing. I have used the Blogger app on the iPad, but I must admit that I actually prefer the interface when just using the safari view. I find it easier to format not using the App however it can be a convenient way to blog on the run.


What I'm loving about using the iPads in the classroom is that they are becoming an indispensable tool. They facilitate communication , collaboration , research and are a great time saver and enabler of greater achievement. I find it frustrating when we need to rely on a school iPad roster and have to wait for our time to use the devices. I understand that this is the way we have to work in the primary classroom where one to one is not yet in place. However, I see a one to one ipad device as being the way of the future in the primary classroom. They must be there on hand to be used by the children as a tool for learning, just like pen and paper is. Waiting for a roster to use them frustrates me as it limits That is my challenge - how I can provide my students with access to the devises in an equitable way. Is BYO the way to go? It has certainly made me think about the direction we take as a school when it comes to budgeting for future resources. 12 months ago, I only saw the iPads being used in classroom by teachers without a specific purpose. I would be annoyed when I would walk into a classroom and see students simply playing Temple Run. I wasn't initially sold on the devices as a learning tool. However the further I have investigated their potential, I have certainly changed my opinion. The iPads are only as powerful as the teacher leading the learning and the quality of applications or tools on them. With the right tools , the students learning can be transformed.