Development
The use of digital technologies in the classroom allows teachers to take advantage of students’ interest and willingness to use technology to assess the benefits of learning through an array of devices. Due to the relatively low cost of mobile learning technologies, districts can more easily access these types of tools to provide digital equity among students. Many schools are choosing iPads specifically, because it is a customizable mobile computer with a touch-controlled interface and an abundance of software tools. The iPad accounts for nearly 99.8% of all tablets used, with nearly 50 million sold in the United States (Schad, 2014). The iPad’s size fits naturally into various learning environments, it can be embedded into the classroom environment, and its content can be customized to meet the individual learning needs of all students. In addition, the iPad includes desirable features, such as size, weight, ability for audio, and various ways to present text and images.
The research presented in my literature review led to the conclusion that students are more motivated, engaged, and productive when they have the opportunity to use technology in the classroom (Roblyer & Doering, 2010). More specifically, the use of cellphones and mobile devices in the classroom can support student collaboration in an educational manner through a number of unique attributes that include mobility, applications, games, and collaborative contextual environments (Patten, Sanchez, & Tangney, 2006). Since many schools have invested in mobile devices and implemented BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies of their own, I wanted to create a resource guide where teachers could learn about the many educational applications that currently exist. Although there are countless classroom applications available today, I focused on several of my personal favorites that I have used in my own classroom. The educational applications that are presented throughout this resource guide provide an interactive learning experience for students of all ages across multiple content areas.
References:
Patten, B., Sanchez , I. A., & Tangney, B. (2006). Designing collaborative, constructionist and contextual applications for handheld devices. Computers & Education, 46, 294–308.
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon/Pearson.
Schad, L. (2014). Bring Your Own Learning: Transform Instruction with any Device. International Society for Technology in Education.
The research presented in my literature review led to the conclusion that students are more motivated, engaged, and productive when they have the opportunity to use technology in the classroom (Roblyer & Doering, 2010). More specifically, the use of cellphones and mobile devices in the classroom can support student collaboration in an educational manner through a number of unique attributes that include mobility, applications, games, and collaborative contextual environments (Patten, Sanchez, & Tangney, 2006). Since many schools have invested in mobile devices and implemented BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policies of their own, I wanted to create a resource guide where teachers could learn about the many educational applications that currently exist. Although there are countless classroom applications available today, I focused on several of my personal favorites that I have used in my own classroom. The educational applications that are presented throughout this resource guide provide an interactive learning experience for students of all ages across multiple content areas.
References:
Patten, B., Sanchez , I. A., & Tangney, B. (2006). Designing collaborative, constructionist and contextual applications for handheld devices. Computers & Education, 46, 294–308.
Roblyer, M. D., & Doering, A. H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching (5th ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon/Pearson.
Schad, L. (2014). Bring Your Own Learning: Transform Instruction with any Device. International Society for Technology in Education.