Assignment+1

**Article 1 - "iPods, iPads Gaining Traction in Utah Classrooms"**

 * The article discusses the use of iPads and iPods in Utah classrooms from Kindergarten through High School. They explain the instant feedback and the rewards students receive through using the devices. It also talks about the usage in the classroom ranges from 20 minutes in the early years to about 70% of the day in upper grades. Teachers explained that the iPads are not a replacement for traditional teaching, it is an additional component that aides the learning process. The article also states that the use of such technology in high schools helps retain students and may improve attendance. This has come with criticism of course. Some worry that students will misuse the technology for personal use. Others worry about the cost to the schools when budgets are already tight. Overall, everyone agrees that the use of smaller devices in schools is the future. iPods and iPads are much more than music or gaming devices. They are educational resources. I agree with what I read in the article. I believe that iPads are the future and will replace the use of desk computers in the classrooms. I think that we are the pioneers of the technology age and that with time, classrooms will be paperless. I do believe that iPads are not the replacement for teachers, but can add a great deal to the learning process.**
 * Schencker, L. (2011, May 10). iPods, iPads gaining traction in Utah classrooms. //The Salt Lake Tribune //. Retrieved from www.sltrib.com/sltrib/home2/51714969-183/students-ipads-ipod-devices.html.csp **

=**Article 2 - "Measuring the iPad's Potential for Education"**=
 * This article was a bit dated as it gave reactions from educators about the announcement of the ipad. Overall, educators were interested in the new options that ipads would bring to the world of education. They talked about embracing this new changing world of technology. Students already have jumped aboard and are not afraid of using technology. Educators need to embrace that and use it in the classroom. Once again, some expressed concern over the cost of the devices. Yet others saw how it may replace textbooks in the future. They realized this was the beginning of a whole new world. I agree with the article. Since we have seen it already used in the classrooms, they were correct in seeing the benefits for students and teachers. And they had the foresight to know that it would begin to replace textbooks. I know that this is our future and that it will impact my classroom and my teaching. I believe it will be for the better and will take students to places they haven't yet discovered. The ipad in the classroom does open up a whole new world for all.**
 * McCrea, B. (1/27/2010). Measuring the iPad's potential for education. // THE Journal. // Retrieved from: [|Measuring the iPad's Potential for Education]. **

=** Article 3 - "Elementary iPads" **=
 * This article discusses how a Kentucky elementary school is beginning to use iPads as early as grade 2 and grade 3. Teachers wanted to go beyond laptops. Teachers in those grade levels were given ipads to use with their students to see how it would go. The elementary teachers used the iPads across the curriculum in a variety of ways. They used them in math, reading, spelling, research, and games. Questions were raised as to how students of this age would handle expensive equipment. The students took great care and didn't misuse their privilege to have the device. The principal stated that there is a learning curve for the teachers to learn how to use them in the classroom, but it will be worth the effort. As I read the article, it felt like my world right now. We will be getting iPads for the upcoming school year. I am excited to use them in my classroom. But I do believe there will be a learning curve as I continue to experiment and learn how to best use them with my students. I believe it will be well worth the time spent. I believe my students will respect the iPads and will take care of them and that they will greatly benefit from their use.**
 * McCrea, B. (05/04/11). Elementary iPads. //THE Journal.// Retrieved from: __Elementary iPads__.**

=Article 4 - "Top 10 Reasons Classrooms Should Have iPads=
 * This article describes ten reasons why classrooms should have iPads. Reason 10 is that there is an app for pretty much everything. There are flashcards, videos, virtual tours, even frog dissection. The 9th reason is because iPads are cheaper than laptops or desktop computers.**
 * Reason 8 is that teachers can get rid of grade books and stacks of tests. Digital exams allows teachers to track accuracy, speed, time, etc. It frees teachers to monitor student progress more efficiently. Plus, it gives students instant feedback. The 7th reason is that it connects students with the world through virtual field trips and video chats with classrooms in other countries.**
 * Reason 6 is that it is environmentally friendly. Teachers replace paper with PDFs. Reading books are online as well. Reason 5 allows students to have access to online news to stay up-to-date or discuss current events. The 4th reason is it makes group projects easier because you can do them practically anywhere. The 3rd reason is for equal opportunity for physically or cognitively disabled students. The iPad levels the playing field because it comes with closed captioning, voice-over reader, full-screen zoom, and nine languages. There are even apps like Dragon Dictation that helps those who can't type. Reason 2 is that it is light weight, sturdy, manageable, easy to view, and has a touch screen. The number one reason is that it teaches young children how to communicate appropriately when using anything digital. Students will learn at a young age how to be polite and clear in their digital communications. This article backed up what I had been thinking about the iPad already. What struck me the most about the article was that it leveled the field for students with disabilities. I hadn't thought about that yet. I think that is an absolutely wonderful reason to use iPads in the classrooms. It allows success for ALL students. That definitely will be something I keep in the forefront of my mind when I am using the iPad with my students. What a wonderful tool we have!**
 * Holmberg, N. (2013). Curiosity.Discovery Channel. Retrieved from: __Top 10 Reasons Classrooms Should Have iPads__. http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-reasons-classrooms-ipads.htm **

=** Article 5 - "Study Finds Benefits in Use of iPad as an Educational Tool" **=
 * A study conducted at Longfield Academy in Kent, England followed faculty and 800 students ages 11-18 with iPads integrated into the curriculum. The study proved overwhelmingly positive. The teachers regularly used iPads in their teaching. They also found it improved their workload. Students wanted iPads to be used further in their education. Students were more motivated and the quality of student work rose. They concluded that the appropriate use of apps aided learning in a variety of ways. They study found that English, Math, and Science were the subject areas that were most likely to use iPads. Student motivation and achievement improved through the iPad use. Students and teachers felt that they could further incorporate iPads by including more photography and editing, making videos, word games, replace textbooks and paper, design their own games, and use more science apps. The study clearly concluded that the iPad was a valuable educational tool. As I read this article, it seemed to support my thoughts about the use of the iPad in the classroom. I, too, feel that using this technology will increase student motivation and achievement. It will improve my ability to further the education of my students and I am hoping that it will improve my workload by efficiently using my time. I am looking forward to using the iPad in my classroom.**
 * Walsh, Kelly. (07/08/2012). Emerging Education Technology. Retrieved from: __Study Finds Benefits in Use of iPad as an Educational Tool__. http://www.emergingedtech.com/2012/07/study-finds-benefits-in-use-of-ipad-as-education...**