The iPad Trial – Half Term Report

Have we learnt anything from the first 8 weeks of a 1:1 iPad trial?

The comments below are based on observation and conversation during recent feedback sessions. They serve to inform our training programme as we seek to enhance learning with the iPad.

Students

• Use the device intuitively and are quick learners with new apps
• Explore different avenues to find answers rather than ask the teacher
• Want to find new ways to demonstrate knowledge
• Take pride in their work as it is often shared with the group
• Digital Leaders allow a class to learn together

• Need help when setting up passwords and ways of remembering them
• Require reminders of new procedures regularly to embed workflow – particularly with Edmodo and Dropbox
• Can be distracted by other features of the iPad when learning

Students have impressed staff with their ability to use the device. If they are faced with an issue they will contact as many people as possible to solve it (usually through Edmodo or email). Of course, there have been issues with passwords and excuses made because of the technology, but these have been few and far between. It highlights the need to ensure students understand how to use the device/apps and that they should be a focus for training and support.

Staff

• Assessment for learning is made easier by Socrative
• Explain Everything has meant feedback and reflection are integral part of lessons
• Very positive about communication, through Edmodo, with students to enhance learning
• Report an ‘independence’ to learning with the right questioning and tasks set

• Need more time with the trial group to produce hard data to support anecdotal evidence
• Are concerned about the distraction element of the device
• Some are resistant to the dramatic changes that other staff have made to their lessons – it is overwhelming
• Need time to adapt lessons and schemes of work to truly implement the iPad in their lessons

With a variety of staff volunteering to conduct the trial we have been able to gauge opinion from different perspectives. A common theme centres around the need to invest time early to understand how the iPad can be used to enhance learning. Teachers who have ‘played’ with apps and asked lots of questions are now reaping the rewards with ease of use and lessons showing progress and varied learning opportunities. Those teachers who haven’t afforded as much time are on a slower learning curve. The iPad then seems to be a concern as the students are so adept with the interface. Personally I believe we are learning alongside the students, but this is a departure from the norm for some.

The iPad has been described as a ‘game changer’ for education and it has certainly made an impact inside and outside the classroom. This can be very difficult for staff to embrace and the ‘change’ must be properly supported. As previously suggested (blog), constant support is required to help the iPad become part of a teacher’s toolkit. I would therefore add to the lessons above – collaborate and share at every opportunity. That’s where twitter comes in . .