Reading on an iPad:
The students in Division 4 have settled in really well with our primary goal of using iPads for Raz-Kids during our Daily 5 literacy time. Since we had already learned to navigate Raz-Kids in the school computer lab, the transition to using iPads was relatively easy. To start, we had a class meeting about how to handle the iPads respectfully and carefully in the room. We established classroom rules: two hands to hold, clean hands, only use the app that the teacher told you to use.
At first, all the iPads were at a Raz-Kids centre and the children moved to the table to use them. Now that the students have had practise at the table, I have decided to give the children some more responsibility. They may now collect the iPad and use it at a spot of their choice. This is consistent with our class room culture that focusses on self-regulation as it gives students choice of work space as long as they are on-task. The iPads are working much better than the desk-tops for reading as they feel more like a book, the book takes the whole page of the tablet and they are much quicker to start using.
Digital Literacy:
Digital Literacy is an ongoing goal in the classroom that includes specific mini-lessons as well as teachable moments. Here is a snapshot of what Respect, Educate and Protect looks like in my Grade 2/3 classroom:
- Respect Your Self/Respect Others:
Take turns with the iPads. Appreciate having access to them in the room. Log in and out properly. Take care of the technology properly. - Educate Your Self/Connect with Others
Digital Literacy – 21st Century learners need to learn to technology to learn quickly and appropriately.- We are starting with using the iPads for guided inquiry. To help narrow the search and focus their research on appropriate web-sites, we have started to use QR codes. I find a website, create the QR code and print it on cards for the students to use. We have just started but they loved it! Last week, we were using Kidrex to look up information on different biomes.
- We have also used the iPads to document observations when on nature walks and when doing experiments.
- Protect Yourself and Others
We have ongoing discussions about security and privacy. This mostly centres on password privacy at this level. We also discuss digital commerce when watching online videos with advertisements and banners. Specifically, we identify the advertising on a webpage and learn not to click on banners and links.
Leave a Reply