A Brief History of Technology in Education

Introduction: Apps in the Classroom to Support Literacy

            Technology is everywhere we look and is an integral part of how we live, work, and learn. It used to be that the overhead projector was cutting edge and exciting for our students. In today's world, we need more to engage our students and to support our wide range of learners. A mobile app (application) is a special type of software program. They are basically large software programs, broken up into parts, and each is made for a specific purpose, whether it be to read books, write a paper, practice handwriting, or play a game. Mobile apps are available on devices such as the iPod and iPad. The "...iPod...is equipped to perform a multitude of tasks, many of which can be commandeered to accomplish a myriad of educational objectives" (Banister, 2010). In comparison to desktops and laptops, they are inexpensive and easily transportable. 

            There are varying educational perspectives on the use of iPods in the classroom. Instructional Theory, Cognitive Theory, and Constructivist Theory are all players when it comes to using iPods and iPads in the classroom.  Instructional Theory states that a variety of methods should be used to meet the needs of different learning styles. The four main methods are gain the learner's attention, present information, provide practice materials, and provide feedback. 
             Cognitive Theory believes that "learners construct their own reality or at least interpret it based upon their perceptions of experiences, so an individual's knowledge is a function of one's prior experiences, mental structures, and belief's that are used to interpret objects or events" (Jonasson, D.H.). 
              The Constructivist Theory states that "learning is an active process of creating meaning from different experiences. In other words, students will learn best by trying to make sense of something on their own with the teacher as a guide to help them along the way" 
(http://www.ndt-ed.org/TeachingResources/ClassroomTips/Constructivist%20_Learning.htm). 

Why do we need technology?

This video is produced by the Don Johnson Empire, and it is called “The case against assistive technology”. Of course, it doesn’t present a case against assistive technologies, but instead looks at the assumptions stopping schools from using technology. Although it does not apply specifically using apps to improve literacy, it does demonstrate the direction in which we are moving, and gives us a glimpse into the future. This is a must see for anyone who is reluctant to incorporate technology into their classroom.

Analysis

Cognitive Theory says that people build upon prior experiences to learn. The majority of our students come with more technological background than ever before. Their prior experiences with technology prepare them for operating iPods and iPads without fear. As well, there are many apps that are levelled, moving you up as you achieve or learn from your 'prior experiences'.  

Constructivist Theory says that people learn best by making sense of things on their own, needing only a guide. This is true with the iPod because students are actively engaged and do the work on their own or with a partner, figuring it out on their own. The teacher is still there to guide them in the right direction if they get stuck.

Instructional Learning Theory says a variety of methods should be used to reach all learning styles. With all of the apps now available, an iPod does this with ease. iPods and iPods are actively engaging for students so it instantly grabs their attention. Information is presented in an aesthetically pleasing way using things such as colourful pictures and animation, sounds, and interaction. Educational apps have many various different levels so that most any learner can practice their skills in a variety of ways. There are even a wide array of apps for communication disorders, so that students are now given a voice with the use of apps through which to communicate. And the most beneficial aspect to the students is feedback is immediate. 

I am in support of the Instructional Learning Theory as it pertains to Bloom's Taxonomy. Benjamin Bloom heavily influenced the Instructional Learning Theory with his Taxonomy of educational objectives. There are 6 levels in the revised Taxonomy: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, and creating. Here is a diagram that shows how different apps fit into each level, therefore showing how apps can increase learning at any level.                                                                                                                                                                 

As stated above, Instructional Learning Theory says we must teach using a variety of methods to reach all learning styles. So, while I believe in Bloom's Taxonomy in regards to higher-level hinking, I also believe we have to use Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligence in order to teach to the variety of learners in our classroom. "Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences states not only do human beings have several different ways of learning and processing information, but these methods are relatively independent of one another: leading to multiple "intelligences" as opposed to a general intelligence factor among correlated abilities" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Howard_Gardner). This is why apps are so great for today's learners. There are apps available for every level. So, while some students may be focusing on phonetics with an app like ABC Phonics, other students may be past that level and working on comprehension with Robert Munsch's 6 Pack Tumble Books app. Apps can also be individualized in and of themselves. For instance, some students may wish to read Robert Munsch on their own, while others comprehend better while listening to the author read with a set of headphones. Regardless of the app being used, the information is right there when you want it.

Application

High School
Media - Photos, music, movies, podcasts, and YouTube can all be accessed with the touch of a button. As "multimedia resources in education are well-documented teaching and learning supports" (Banister, 2010), the use of these in the classroom is a must. With the use of the iPod, these can be done quickly and efficiently to individualize instruction. After viewing required media, students can respond to discussion questions on a class blog.
eBooks - There are an infinite amount of books available to be downloaded for any age group. Books can be downloaded easily and reading groups can be assigned depending on ability. Students can also do this individually, with audio or without.
Google Docs and Wiki - Students can use their iPods or iPads to work collaboratively on a project.
Presentations - Presentations can be done easily on the iPad with many different apps. Students can add video and pictures with ease.
Notes and Organizers - There are many apps for note taking. Notes can be typed in or spoken to be played back later. The recorded notes can even be transformed into text. Great for studying and in class so you don't miss anything. Graphic organizers are great tools to help sort through information when writing essays and planning projects. There are many different kinds.

Junior High
eBooks - There are many books available to interest the reluctant reader. Many comics and graphic novels are available to download. If a students studying Huckleberry Finn is having trouble with the text, a graphic novel is available, or audio can be used to have the novel read to the student.
Notes and Organizers - There are many apps for note taking. Notes can be typed in or spoken to be played back later. The recorded notes can even be transformed into text. Great for studying and in class so you don't miss anything. Graphics and pictures can be imported into the notes as well. Graphic organizers are great tools to help sort through information when writing essays and planning projects. There are many different kinds.
Media - Photos, music, movies, podcasts, and YouTube can all be accessed with the touch of a button. As "multimedia resources in education are well-documented teaching and learning supports" (Banister, 2010), the use of these in the classroom is a must. With the use of the iPod, these can be done quickly and efficiently to individualize instruction. After viewing required media, students can respond to discussion questions on a class blog.

Elementary
eBooks - Books can easily be downloaded and read to students while highlighting words, or students can read the books themselves. There are many interactive and animated books to keep young students engaged. I you have a small set of iPods, you could use this as a station with 5 or 6 students following the same book, or they can be individualized for each learner. 
Letters - For young students or those having difficulty forming their letters, there are lots of apps to help practice this skill. Forget the days of writing the alphabet repeatedly on a piece of paper. These apps include sounds of praise and rewards for work well done. Can pair students together or individualize.
Spelling - There are a plethora of apps out there to help with spelling. There are basic ones that teach the phonetic sounds of the alphabet, more advanced consonant blends, prefixes, and suffixes, to ones that work with those tricky sight words. All are highly interactive, fun, and have rewards the students work toward. Again, students can be paired up, work individually, or can be a station of 6 students.

Summer Bridges program: iPad Success in Preschool Education

Here is a YouTube video of iPads being implemented to support literacy development before children enter kindergarten. They saw vast improvements over the course of a few weeks. Parents were also involved in using the technology and engaging in their child's education.

Pros and Cons of Using Apps in the Classroom

Pros
Instant feedback
Access to information is immediate and current
Supports student engagement, differentiation, and collaboration
Apps are abundant
Apps are free or low cost
iPods are cheaper than laptops
Single tasking (students cannot have games, etc. running in the background)
iPods and iPads take up less space than desktops and laptops
iPods and iPads are easily portable
Students can listen to music while they work so as not to be distracted by other students
Can be used as a communication tool for low functioning students

Cons
Possible management and theft issues
Breakable
Costly to update school with wifi
Some apps may be difficult for students with fine motor difficulties