Google Forms
Initial Reaction:
Prior to this course in Special Issues in Technology, I have utilized Google Forms as means to collect information on what individuals value the most in friendships. Through collecting over 100 responses and evaluating the data through Google Sheets, I was better able to assess what qualities individuals uphold. Although I did not go further into research on this topic, I understand how utilizing the data tool can assist in classroom research. In order to practice utilizing Google Forms, I created another form (link posted below). Through utilizing Google Forms to create a self grading quiz, I created a general knowledge geography quiz which is linked to a spreadsheet that calculates scores. A word of caution to a new user: this process is much simpler to follow than written instructions make it out to be. The links show how a self grading quiz should be structured.
Link to Google Form Survey:
http://goo.gl/forms/oiu7RIYmM1
Link to Spreadsheet Responses:
https://goo.gl/m6YKm2
Forms in Schools
Through utilizing Google Forms in the education setting, students and teachers are able to collect data from varying sources (such as community members) through sending the survey via email, URL, or social media. This enables individuals to evaluate data which is sent directly to Google Sheets. Not only is this a helpful tool to gain knowledge which pertains to the classroom at large, but Google Forms also is a vehicle to present knowledge and ideas which connect to Common Core State Standards. The advantage to utilizing Google Forms within the classroom is the option for students to gain perspectives from other individuals to which they can form opinions about issues (as mentioned in the aforementioned CCSS). Although this is the only CCSS listed in Michael Graham's textbook, I believe Google Forms can meet standards for collaboration and technology. Through including Google Forms in a research/opinion writing assignment, students would be able to effectively collect data on a specific topic (meeting collaborative CCSS, research CCSS, technology CCSS, and presentation CCSS).
Google Forms is also a useful tool to access for measuring assessment. Because tests and quizzes can be created and linked easily to Google Sheets, teachers can evaluate student responses and quickly view which questions need to be readdressed based on those responses. Because of the regulations placed on educators to utilize summative assessments, Google Forms fits adequately in meeting those requirements. Overall, I believe this tool would be an effective means to gather information to use for research purposes within the classroom setting.
Thursday, May 28, 2015
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
GAIN: Spreadsheets
Performance Record
Google Sheets Link: https://goo.gl/9Dx7My
Having no notable prior experience working with any spreadsheet program, I was hesitant to dive into Google Sheets at first; however, this quickly changed once I began tampering with the program. Through confiding with my classmates regarding this program for grade book use, I became more confident in working with spreadsheets.
In order to help organize my thoughts, I began by adding an additional sheet in order to keep up with detailed scores while keeping a master grade sheet separate. Through utilizing this tool, I believe educators can effectively manage grades because of organizational skills. The most convenient feature on Google Sheets is the formula converter used to average scores together. Once understanding how to program the grades into the formula, I was able to quickly average student grades without much confusion. This, of course, is helpful to my mathematically challenged mind.
Although I find this app useful in managing student grades, I am still a little hazy on many features Google Sheets has. Firstly, I would like to know if there is any way to connect the individual grades on the more detailed spreadsheet to the master grade sheet without having to enter them manually. I would also be open to finding a more efficient attendance tracker in keeping up with absent and tardy students.
In order to help students meet Common Core State Standards through working with Google Sheets, student can manipulate mathematical formulas through plugging them into the cells on the spreadsheet. Many may question how students can learn if the program is computing the mathematical problems for them. The answer to this is students can manipulate the formulas in order to see which tool can help interpret results, thus leading to critical thinking skills. Through manipulating Google Sheets, students can add data which can be converted to graphs and diagrams. In turn, students can be asked to report their findings utilizing evidence gained from the spreadsheet program. Because this Google app is shareable (alike Docs and Slides) students can meet the Common Core standards for collaboration and utilization of technology.
Overall, Google Sheets provides effective means of communication and storage of data which proves useful to educators and students alike. However, this program, alike any other spreadsheet software, requires time and practice in learning the varying features. Through keeping this in mind, beginners to this program need not be discouraged in learning how to create spreadsheets which prove to be beneficial, especially in the classroom setting.
Google Sheets Link: https://goo.gl/9Dx7My
Having no notable prior experience working with any spreadsheet program, I was hesitant to dive into Google Sheets at first; however, this quickly changed once I began tampering with the program. Through confiding with my classmates regarding this program for grade book use, I became more confident in working with spreadsheets.
In order to help organize my thoughts, I began by adding an additional sheet in order to keep up with detailed scores while keeping a master grade sheet separate. Through utilizing this tool, I believe educators can effectively manage grades because of organizational skills. The most convenient feature on Google Sheets is the formula converter used to average scores together. Once understanding how to program the grades into the formula, I was able to quickly average student grades without much confusion. This, of course, is helpful to my mathematically challenged mind.
Although I find this app useful in managing student grades, I am still a little hazy on many features Google Sheets has. Firstly, I would like to know if there is any way to connect the individual grades on the more detailed spreadsheet to the master grade sheet without having to enter them manually. I would also be open to finding a more efficient attendance tracker in keeping up with absent and tardy students.
In order to help students meet Common Core State Standards through working with Google Sheets, student can manipulate mathematical formulas through plugging them into the cells on the spreadsheet. Many may question how students can learn if the program is computing the mathematical problems for them. The answer to this is students can manipulate the formulas in order to see which tool can help interpret results, thus leading to critical thinking skills. Through manipulating Google Sheets, students can add data which can be converted to graphs and diagrams. In turn, students can be asked to report their findings utilizing evidence gained from the spreadsheet program. Because this Google app is shareable (alike Docs and Slides) students can meet the Common Core standards for collaboration and utilization of technology.
Overall, Google Sheets provides effective means of communication and storage of data which proves useful to educators and students alike. However, this program, alike any other spreadsheet software, requires time and practice in learning the varying features. Through keeping this in mind, beginners to this program need not be discouraged in learning how to create spreadsheets which prove to be beneficial, especially in the classroom setting.
Literacy for Education
Preparations
My Spelling Test:
This app allows educators to prepare spelling tests with audio recordings of the spelling list so that students can move from the paper and pencil method to a more technological way of testing. I can see this app being beneficial, especially for students who are absent for the spelling test. This allows them to work independently without taking time away from an instructor to read the words on the list aloud since this function is already included in the app. Another feature this app provides is the connectivity to a smart board. This allows students to work independently on practicing their spelling words through dragging letters to create words on the board. In a technologically advanced world, students would look forward to spelling on this program due to the game-like nature of this app.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary:
This app provides an interesting spin on the traditional dictionary since it has voice to text recognition. In the classroom setting, students could use this feature in order to look up the spelling and word meaning in a more efficient manner. Another feature I like about this app is the "Did you know?" section which appears on each word after searching. This provides background knowledge which goes beyond the straightforward dictionary meaning of the word.
Presentations
ShowMe Interactive Whiteboard:
This app allows individuals to create their very own presentation while drawing on and speaking to the iPad while it records the material. This app allows the user to add pictures and voice audio to supplement the ideas drawn on the interactive whiteboard. This app allows the creator to share their presentation with select individuals or to the public through the ShowMe website. This app would be great for students and teachers alike in order to create a new way to present material.
Strip Designer:
This app provides students means to create a unique presentation through following the step-by-step guide in the comic strip maker. Through selecting a template to follow, students can add images from either a photo album, personal drawings, dropbox, maps, or social media. Special effects and stickers can be added to the images in order to create a comic feel to the digital story. Within the education setting, students can create comic strips to supplement class projects carried about across the curriculum. Because of the simple set up of this app, it can be easily implemented in the younger elementary grades for digital storytelling.
GAIN
Google Drive: Presentations
Link to presentation: https://goo.gl/55tezC
Powerpoint vs Google Presentations
- Google presentations is a user friendly presenting software which allows individuals to create and present information in a similar way to Powerpoint. The simplicity of the program layout makes it easy for anyone to create presentations on (from the inexperienced to the advanced user).
- Google presentations focuses on functionality rather than design features (which Powerpoint is recognized for). Although there are not as many options for design layout and transitions, Google presentations meets the user's needs to effectively communicate information.
- Another feature Google presentations has when it comes to collaboration and sharing with others is an online setup where individuals can chat on the right hand pane during presentations. This feature, powered by storing the presentation on the cloud, allows for better collaboration, especially from remote locations.
Google Drive (Presentations) and Common Core
- Google Presentations meets Common Core's requirements to have students present material in a clear and effective way which prepares our students for the workforce. Because of the focus on communication (through speaking and listening), students need to have a vast knowledge on how to communicate information. Through utilizing this software, students can include multimedia and visuals within their presentations in order to add to their communicative efforts.
- Because Google presentations is stored on the cloud, students have the option to collaborate with their peers in research and presentations. This adds to the shared writing and publishing processes addressed in Common Core Standards.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
GAIN
Chapter 4: Documents
1. As compared with Microsoft Word, Google Docs provides a vast array of features which allow for better accessibility. Through utilizing this program, I personally found Google Docs helpful in collaboration with my peers. As stated in Google Apps Meets Common Core, Graham notes that a document stored on the cloud through Google Drive can be accessed and edited by up to 50 people anywhere in the world at one time. Along with this, individuals can access one document on multiple devices as long as internet is available. I have utilized the aforementioned features through taking class notes with my peers as well as compiling research for group projects. This of course allows individuals to have successful collaboration in the realm of education. Another spec mentioned in the textbook is the ability to have unlimited storage space for documents. By storing documents on the cloud, one does not need worry about running out of space to store documents for it is not stored on a hard drive. As a future educator, I for see myself utilizing this program in order to work on my documents on multiple devices, collaborate with fellow educators, and allow students to compile their personal work so that they can enjoy the features in which a traditional word processor would have limitations.
Although Google Docs is an excellent tool to use for collaborative efforts, it does have its drawbacks. Working with elementary school students, the teacher must realize an internet connection is not always guaranteed at the child's home. This could cause problems with homework assignments that cannot be accessed on the server due to the lack of internet. The only way to bridge this gap is if the school has resources to provide students with a cellular device (such as a tablet) to take home in order to work on assignments (this would also apply to students who do not have any computer at home). If this is not feasible, this program may not be the most efficient for all student work.
2. The Common Core State Standards are directly tied to utilizing Google Docs through utilizing technology, meeting all steps in the writing process, and including ranges of tasks for student writing. Through the features of Google Docs, students meet the standards while engaging in successful learning.
Focusing on utilizing technology to produce and publish writing, students may utilize Google Docs to collaborate with peers and engage in the writing process in a meaningful experience. The state standards hope to encourage students to utilize technology available; therefore, the teacher must provide learning opportunities to address this aspect of learning. One example of student mastery of this standard would include collaborative note taking when working within groups for certain projects. Students would be able to have equal access to utilizing technology via Google Docs while collaborating to gain perspective and knowledge.
The second key benchmark to meet is to engage in all steps of the writing process. Students develop experience in prewriting, writing, editing, revising, and publishing. The technological aspects of this program allow ease in each area of writing, meeting the standard. Access to the cloud allows students to simply share their final product with classmates for collaboration on this assignment as well.
Through varying the tasks the teacher instructs students to perform, the Common Core State Standard is met. This can be achieved through varying time allotments for writing, due dates on assignments, and ongoing projects, all of which can be accessed at any time by the teacher and students.
3. Last week, I utilized Google Docs with two of my classmates in order to put together a set of task cards for a project on littleBits. The features provided by Google Docs allowed my group to complete a project without having to meet outside of class and instead work on our own portion of the assignment at our convenience. The chat features also proved to be helpful in assisting us with communication throughout the process. Overall, Google Docs is a wonderful tool which I plan to use in my own classroom.
1. As compared with Microsoft Word, Google Docs provides a vast array of features which allow for better accessibility. Through utilizing this program, I personally found Google Docs helpful in collaboration with my peers. As stated in Google Apps Meets Common Core, Graham notes that a document stored on the cloud through Google Drive can be accessed and edited by up to 50 people anywhere in the world at one time. Along with this, individuals can access one document on multiple devices as long as internet is available. I have utilized the aforementioned features through taking class notes with my peers as well as compiling research for group projects. This of course allows individuals to have successful collaboration in the realm of education. Another spec mentioned in the textbook is the ability to have unlimited storage space for documents. By storing documents on the cloud, one does not need worry about running out of space to store documents for it is not stored on a hard drive. As a future educator, I for see myself utilizing this program in order to work on my documents on multiple devices, collaborate with fellow educators, and allow students to compile their personal work so that they can enjoy the features in which a traditional word processor would have limitations.
Although Google Docs is an excellent tool to use for collaborative efforts, it does have its drawbacks. Working with elementary school students, the teacher must realize an internet connection is not always guaranteed at the child's home. This could cause problems with homework assignments that cannot be accessed on the server due to the lack of internet. The only way to bridge this gap is if the school has resources to provide students with a cellular device (such as a tablet) to take home in order to work on assignments (this would also apply to students who do not have any computer at home). If this is not feasible, this program may not be the most efficient for all student work.
2. The Common Core State Standards are directly tied to utilizing Google Docs through utilizing technology, meeting all steps in the writing process, and including ranges of tasks for student writing. Through the features of Google Docs, students meet the standards while engaging in successful learning.
Focusing on utilizing technology to produce and publish writing, students may utilize Google Docs to collaborate with peers and engage in the writing process in a meaningful experience. The state standards hope to encourage students to utilize technology available; therefore, the teacher must provide learning opportunities to address this aspect of learning. One example of student mastery of this standard would include collaborative note taking when working within groups for certain projects. Students would be able to have equal access to utilizing technology via Google Docs while collaborating to gain perspective and knowledge.
The second key benchmark to meet is to engage in all steps of the writing process. Students develop experience in prewriting, writing, editing, revising, and publishing. The technological aspects of this program allow ease in each area of writing, meeting the standard. Access to the cloud allows students to simply share their final product with classmates for collaboration on this assignment as well.
Through varying the tasks the teacher instructs students to perform, the Common Core State Standard is met. This can be achieved through varying time allotments for writing, due dates on assignments, and ongoing projects, all of which can be accessed at any time by the teacher and students.
3. Last week, I utilized Google Docs with two of my classmates in order to put together a set of task cards for a project on littleBits. The features provided by Google Docs allowed my group to complete a project without having to meet outside of class and instead work on our own portion of the assignment at our convenience. The chat features also proved to be helpful in assisting us with communication throughout the process. Overall, Google Docs is a wonderful tool which I plan to use in my own classroom.
Tablets: Basics for Education
Keynote vs Powerpoint
Similarities:
1. When working with both programs, a variety of presentation slides are available for use. The designs vary, of course, but the idea of formatting is similar. Themes, font choices, layouts, and captions are all visual features which are available on both programs.
2. Both programs offer a variety of effects for transitions and animations within creating a presentation. Special effects can be applied to individual objects, text, slides, and images. Travel paths for visual effects can also be applied to the slides in both programs through either connecting by a straight line or drawing a complex pattern of connectivity. Overall, the programs offer similar ideas in the area of visual effects.
3. When presenting live presentations, both programs allow for similar capabilities. Such features included on both devices include a timer (for the presenter to follow), presentation notes, and a preview of the following slide.
Differences:
1. Powerpoint offers a variety of effects to apply to graphics on slides (such as 3D rotation and image filters). Keynote does not offer such effects. These graphic effects can apply to photos, shapes, font, and color. When choosing an ascetically pleasing presentation, Keynote does not offer as much as Powerpoint.
2. For remote presentations, Powerpoint offers others who are not present for the presentation to view the slides and hear the presenter through accessing the Microsoft servers. Keynote, on the other hand, does not offer this capability and relies on iChat to engage others in the presentation.
Concluding Remarks:
The iPad provides a user friendly way to access the aforementioned specs on both Powerpoint and Keynote. However, it must be mentioned that the iPad apps do not offer all options whereas a desktop computer does. Working on an iPad, Keynote's touchscreen interface is much better than Microsoft Powerpoint since Keynote is an Apple product made for Apple devices. Another benefit of choosing Keynote for iPad is the meager cost of the app compared to Microsoft Powerpoint.
Box.net
When exploring box.net I uploaded a photo in my personal account. This program would be beneficial for education purposes in that students can upload work and share their work with the teacher and vice versa. The link to my account is https://app.box.com/s/1xursursxbg9n1f2hhjan2xk3v48vhkx.
iThought
I can see the potential of utilizing this mind mapping tool within the classroom setting in order to engage students and support schematic knowledge prior to teaching a new concept. This could be utilized to brainstorm for writing prompts, organize student thoughts for science projects, and even to teach vocabulary units. Due to the visually appealing options, this program provides a variety of ways to track mind mapping in an interesting way.
Safari and Rover
Similarities:
Both browsers allow individuals to search the internet for content. In the education setting, students and teachers can utilize these search engines for gathering information for projects and presentations.
Differences:
Rover, created with the education setting in mind, has limitations based on what students can search and what comes up when browsing the internet.
Preferences:
As a future elementary school teacher, I believe Rover would be beneficial to use with my students in class so that content can be monitored (especially in the younger grades). However, for my personal use, Safari is more beneficial in order to research without having censorships. I see the positives and negatives of both programs and will utilize both search engines when most appropriate.
Similarities:
1. When working with both programs, a variety of presentation slides are available for use. The designs vary, of course, but the idea of formatting is similar. Themes, font choices, layouts, and captions are all visual features which are available on both programs.
2. Both programs offer a variety of effects for transitions and animations within creating a presentation. Special effects can be applied to individual objects, text, slides, and images. Travel paths for visual effects can also be applied to the slides in both programs through either connecting by a straight line or drawing a complex pattern of connectivity. Overall, the programs offer similar ideas in the area of visual effects.
3. When presenting live presentations, both programs allow for similar capabilities. Such features included on both devices include a timer (for the presenter to follow), presentation notes, and a preview of the following slide.
Differences:
1. Powerpoint offers a variety of effects to apply to graphics on slides (such as 3D rotation and image filters). Keynote does not offer such effects. These graphic effects can apply to photos, shapes, font, and color. When choosing an ascetically pleasing presentation, Keynote does not offer as much as Powerpoint.
2. For remote presentations, Powerpoint offers others who are not present for the presentation to view the slides and hear the presenter through accessing the Microsoft servers. Keynote, on the other hand, does not offer this capability and relies on iChat to engage others in the presentation.
Concluding Remarks:
The iPad provides a user friendly way to access the aforementioned specs on both Powerpoint and Keynote. However, it must be mentioned that the iPad apps do not offer all options whereas a desktop computer does. Working on an iPad, Keynote's touchscreen interface is much better than Microsoft Powerpoint since Keynote is an Apple product made for Apple devices. Another benefit of choosing Keynote for iPad is the meager cost of the app compared to Microsoft Powerpoint.
Box.net
When exploring box.net I uploaded a photo in my personal account. This program would be beneficial for education purposes in that students can upload work and share their work with the teacher and vice versa. The link to my account is https://app.box.com/s/1xursursxbg9n1f2hhjan2xk3v48vhkx.
iThought
I can see the potential of utilizing this mind mapping tool within the classroom setting in order to engage students and support schematic knowledge prior to teaching a new concept. This could be utilized to brainstorm for writing prompts, organize student thoughts for science projects, and even to teach vocabulary units. Due to the visually appealing options, this program provides a variety of ways to track mind mapping in an interesting way.
Safari and Rover
Similarities:
Both browsers allow individuals to search the internet for content. In the education setting, students and teachers can utilize these search engines for gathering information for projects and presentations.
Differences:
Rover, created with the education setting in mind, has limitations based on what students can search and what comes up when browsing the internet.
Preferences:
As a future elementary school teacher, I believe Rover would be beneficial to use with my students in class so that content can be monitored (especially in the younger grades). However, for my personal use, Safari is more beneficial in order to research without having censorships. I see the positives and negatives of both programs and will utilize both search engines when most appropriate.
Monday, May 25, 2015
Tablets Options and Uses
iOS Apple
Pros:
1. Apple is the leading tablet with around 700,000 apps (more so than Amazon, Barns & Noble, and Google Play). Students and teachers have more available to them due to the variety offered by the iTunes store. Therefore, there are many more apps available for education purposes. This can be beneficial in the classroom due to the options available to teachers. The apps unique to Apple (such as iMovie or iBooks Author) can move students beyond the typical presentation methods and into an open, creative classroom environment.
2. All Apple devices (desktop computers, laptops, and tablets) use the same operating system which allows the icons to look the same from device to device. This provides cohesion if students work with multiple Apple products. For younger elementary students, the icons on the screen will become familiar and easy to work with on varying devices. Therefore, students will not need extensive training on how to use the iPad.
3. Apple supports their devices with multiple updates per year meaning they can continue operating at optimal performance levels. Because Apple is both the device manufacturer and the system supporter, the iPad updates will always work on all iPad devices (unlike Android). This provides benefits to the educators because the programs on the iPad will work year round and not be dropped.
Cons:
1. iTunes does not have the plethora of books available to purchase whereas the Google based devices support more in the field of literature. If planning to use the iPad devices in an elementary school setting, students may need access to certain novels or textbooks which will not be available in the iTunes store. If hoping to utilize these devices for literary purposes, this device may not provide complete substitution from print to digital reading.
Android (Google)
Pros:
1. Because of devices such as the Nook and Kindle (which are powered by Google) these devices are wonderful to utilize in replacing class sets of textbooks and novels through purchasing digital copies through Barns and Noble and Amazon. These digital copies are cost efficient for school systems (more so than print). This would especially be beneficial for students to gain points for reading programs such as the AR program.
2. E-readers, such as the Kindle and Nook, have an extensive battery life which lasts up to 8 weeks without requiring charging. Logistically speaking, while utilizing these devices as textbooks in the classroom teachers can better manage the classroom without having to worry about someone's device dying or students rushing to a power outlet in order to complete his or her reading.
3. Many of the Android devices are a very reasonable expense. The funds received to purchase tablets can be stretched further if choosing to purchase one of the least expensive devices. Almost every device offered does not require cellular data plans (although Kindle Fire and Nexus offer these); therefore, the cost is all upfront in purchasing the machine.
Cons:
1. Because Android is an open operating system and is sold to whichever tablet manufacturer purchases the program, updates do not always work on each device; therefore, the needed updates may be incompatible with the physical device. With multiple manufacturers and the cut throat market in technology, many devices will lose the support needed to continue functioning properly and efficiently.
Windows (Microsoft)
Pros:
1. The software on the tablet matches that of the laptop or desktop computers exactly. Therefore, if the school uses Microsoft devices in other areas of the school (such as the library or computer lab) students and teachers will be familiar with the operating system. The consistency provided through using the same operating system would be beneficial in promoting the ease of use for students who already know how to use the device, cutting back on training time within the class setting.
2. The Surface tablet includes an array of ports (alike a laptop). This is unlike many tablets available to purchase. This is a bonus due to the ability students have to upload or deport files from SD cards or USB drives directly to or from the tablet. Therefore, students have the ability to connect devices (other than wifi) to the tablet for projects.
3. The storage capability of the Surface exceeds most other tablets. The two options (Surface Windows RT and Surface Windows 8 Pro) include more than enough storage for projects students are working on for class. This can include the traditional paper and presentation assignments compatible with Windows programs as seen in a typical classroom. Therefore, teachers and students planning to store work directly to the devices may deem the internal storage as a benefit.
Cons:
1. Because of the size of the operating system, Window's devices are very large which in turn boosts the price of the tablet. Therefore, the size and cost are two of the drawbacks to choosing this device. Elementary school students could handle a smaller device better due to the child's physical size. Also, students in younger elementary classrooms do not need as much memory space to save their assignments which Window's devices have (boosting the cost again). These devices can even become more expensive than a laptop computer. For the purposes of supplementing the curriculum in the Elementary school setting, this device would not be as efficient and practical for the purposes and ages of the students and school.
Cellular
In the field of education, the access to internet is not available to many students outside of the walls of the school. Taking this into consideration, many students will not be able to complete certain tasks or assignments on the tablets unless they have connection to the internet. One option available to educators is to provide cellular data which allows the tablets to connect to cell phone towers, providing internet. However, this boosts the cost of the device due to the contracts required to pay for the services monthly. Such plans can be established on each of the three leading companies (although only on the certain cellular compatible devices).
Pros:
1. All students have access to assignments which require internet connection
2. Device connects to either wifi (when at school or in a location that offers free wifi) or cellular data (when wifi is not available)
Cons:
1. Monthly data charges
2. Overage fees for using too much data (although this can be avoided by placing a data cap on each device)
Considerations:
If the school chooses to buy cellular compatible tablets, contracts are required leading to data charges. If the school chooses to purchase wifi only devices, they can never become cellular compatible.
Final Thoughts
Within an elementary school setting, I believe the iPad will be the most effective tablet to purchase due to the size, ease of use, affordability (for the mini), and numerous apps available for educative purposes. The school system should purchase wifi only devices for the majority of students and conduct a survey to find out how many students do not have access to the internet at home and provide those students with the cellular option. This will guarantee each child an equal opportunity while maintaining appropriate expenses for the school system.
Pros:
1. Apple is the leading tablet with around 700,000 apps (more so than Amazon, Barns & Noble, and Google Play). Students and teachers have more available to them due to the variety offered by the iTunes store. Therefore, there are many more apps available for education purposes. This can be beneficial in the classroom due to the options available to teachers. The apps unique to Apple (such as iMovie or iBooks Author) can move students beyond the typical presentation methods and into an open, creative classroom environment.
2. All Apple devices (desktop computers, laptops, and tablets) use the same operating system which allows the icons to look the same from device to device. This provides cohesion if students work with multiple Apple products. For younger elementary students, the icons on the screen will become familiar and easy to work with on varying devices. Therefore, students will not need extensive training on how to use the iPad.
3. Apple supports their devices with multiple updates per year meaning they can continue operating at optimal performance levels. Because Apple is both the device manufacturer and the system supporter, the iPad updates will always work on all iPad devices (unlike Android). This provides benefits to the educators because the programs on the iPad will work year round and not be dropped.
Cons:
1. iTunes does not have the plethora of books available to purchase whereas the Google based devices support more in the field of literature. If planning to use the iPad devices in an elementary school setting, students may need access to certain novels or textbooks which will not be available in the iTunes store. If hoping to utilize these devices for literary purposes, this device may not provide complete substitution from print to digital reading.
Android (Google)
Pros:
1. Because of devices such as the Nook and Kindle (which are powered by Google) these devices are wonderful to utilize in replacing class sets of textbooks and novels through purchasing digital copies through Barns and Noble and Amazon. These digital copies are cost efficient for school systems (more so than print). This would especially be beneficial for students to gain points for reading programs such as the AR program.
2. E-readers, such as the Kindle and Nook, have an extensive battery life which lasts up to 8 weeks without requiring charging. Logistically speaking, while utilizing these devices as textbooks in the classroom teachers can better manage the classroom without having to worry about someone's device dying or students rushing to a power outlet in order to complete his or her reading.
3. Many of the Android devices are a very reasonable expense. The funds received to purchase tablets can be stretched further if choosing to purchase one of the least expensive devices. Almost every device offered does not require cellular data plans (although Kindle Fire and Nexus offer these); therefore, the cost is all upfront in purchasing the machine.
Cons:
1. Because Android is an open operating system and is sold to whichever tablet manufacturer purchases the program, updates do not always work on each device; therefore, the needed updates may be incompatible with the physical device. With multiple manufacturers and the cut throat market in technology, many devices will lose the support needed to continue functioning properly and efficiently.
Windows (Microsoft)
Pros:
1. The software on the tablet matches that of the laptop or desktop computers exactly. Therefore, if the school uses Microsoft devices in other areas of the school (such as the library or computer lab) students and teachers will be familiar with the operating system. The consistency provided through using the same operating system would be beneficial in promoting the ease of use for students who already know how to use the device, cutting back on training time within the class setting.
2. The Surface tablet includes an array of ports (alike a laptop). This is unlike many tablets available to purchase. This is a bonus due to the ability students have to upload or deport files from SD cards or USB drives directly to or from the tablet. Therefore, students have the ability to connect devices (other than wifi) to the tablet for projects.
3. The storage capability of the Surface exceeds most other tablets. The two options (Surface Windows RT and Surface Windows 8 Pro) include more than enough storage for projects students are working on for class. This can include the traditional paper and presentation assignments compatible with Windows programs as seen in a typical classroom. Therefore, teachers and students planning to store work directly to the devices may deem the internal storage as a benefit.
Cons:
1. Because of the size of the operating system, Window's devices are very large which in turn boosts the price of the tablet. Therefore, the size and cost are two of the drawbacks to choosing this device. Elementary school students could handle a smaller device better due to the child's physical size. Also, students in younger elementary classrooms do not need as much memory space to save their assignments which Window's devices have (boosting the cost again). These devices can even become more expensive than a laptop computer. For the purposes of supplementing the curriculum in the Elementary school setting, this device would not be as efficient and practical for the purposes and ages of the students and school.
Cellular
In the field of education, the access to internet is not available to many students outside of the walls of the school. Taking this into consideration, many students will not be able to complete certain tasks or assignments on the tablets unless they have connection to the internet. One option available to educators is to provide cellular data which allows the tablets to connect to cell phone towers, providing internet. However, this boosts the cost of the device due to the contracts required to pay for the services monthly. Such plans can be established on each of the three leading companies (although only on the certain cellular compatible devices).
Pros:
1. All students have access to assignments which require internet connection
2. Device connects to either wifi (when at school or in a location that offers free wifi) or cellular data (when wifi is not available)
Cons:
1. Monthly data charges
2. Overage fees for using too much data (although this can be avoided by placing a data cap on each device)
Considerations:
If the school chooses to buy cellular compatible tablets, contracts are required leading to data charges. If the school chooses to purchase wifi only devices, they can never become cellular compatible.
Final Thoughts
Within an elementary school setting, I believe the iPad will be the most effective tablet to purchase due to the size, ease of use, affordability (for the mini), and numerous apps available for educative purposes. The school system should purchase wifi only devices for the majority of students and conduct a survey to find out how many students do not have access to the internet at home and provide those students with the cellular option. This will guarantee each child an equal opportunity while maintaining appropriate expenses for the school system.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)