http://www.nmc.org/pdf/2013-horizon-higher-ed-shortlist.pdf
This article provides a couple of quick ideas for tablets in the classroom. The section that mentions being able to post a tablet in a classroom that has videos of laboratory techniques instantaneously seemed useful. The ability to refer a student to a video for reference after I have explained something would save me from explaining the same thing repetitively.
The shortcoming of the article having such a short summary of multiple of technological trends is that it lacks depth on any given subject. The article does provide some links to other sources for more information.
This article dovetails nicely to the above article giving multiple examples of how to incorporate technology into the class to engage students.
http://edudemic.com/2012/12/25-ways-to-use-tablets-in-the-classroom/
Here is a summary of some useful apps for tablets that can be used in the classroom.
http://www.princeton.edu/hrc/documents/Using-Your-Tablet-in-the-Classroom.pdf
Something to think about with apps being able to duplicate a frog dissection; no matter how good the program is, it is still a digital abstraction from the real thing. How much does the artificial "learning" detract from learning?
I think an excellent point that you raise is whether or not the tablet is an acceptable replacement for something like a frog dissection. As much as we love to be high tech in our learning, there is always something to be said for a hands-on approach. Geography and the sciences both benefit hugely from real manipulatives and labs.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that artificial learning will detract from learning, but it is not as enriching as using real manipulatives in the classroom. The only problem would be if the real manipulatives are available or the cost of them. A virtual resource like a frog dissection could be used multiple times at the same cost, but actual frogs to dissect will cost a certain amount every year. So virtual resources could be more cost effective depending on the size of the school. If the virtual resource is the only resource available then I think that it will have to do. Any resource is better than no resources at all.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your views on flipped classrooms. It would be time consuming for a teacher to create flipped classroom videos. I also wonder how students that easily understand the content would appreciate this instruction method. I have taught students who do not even want 10 minutes at the end of class to work on questions related to a topic just taught....let alone an entire period.
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