EDUC 7108 Module 2 Blog Post

Progression of Computers in Reading Technology- iPad

Enhances Students’ ability to access multimedia applications for reading books and learning reading skills. Allows learner to hear text, along with having words highlighted to assist students in becoming fluent readers.	Obsoletes Students reading text-only hard and soft cover books, checked out from a library.
Retrieves The idea of storytelling and reading from printed books, as well as computer-based software for reading instruction.	Reverses May lead to the creation of new technologies that support more interactive text, such as 3D or holographic images aligned with stories.

As technologies such as the iPhone and iPad have emerged, students now have access to interactive reading applications that support them in learning to read. Rather than having to check out a paperback book from the library, there are technologies emerging into education that provide books on tablets such as eReader, Nook, and Kindle. The iPad also enhances the ability for additional book titles to be located and read from anywhere, at any time using one tool versus a stack of books. The idea of storytelling is retrieved through eBooks because students can follow along with stories as they are read to them by the tablet.

The iPad not only provides books through iBooks, but iTunes and the App Store allow for applications to be downloaded which feature activities and games to increase students’ reading skills, as well as their motivation to learn to read. In a recent study using the iPad to facilitate reading improvement with a fifth grade student, McClanahan, Williams, Kennedy, and Tate (2012) found success in using applications to address comprehension, sequencing, details, drawing inferences, and identifying cause and effect. As the student came across struggles, the teacher was able to instantly download and provide activities for the student to engage in immediate guided practice. This type of individualized computer-assisted instruction allowed the student to feel successful in a self-paced format. The idea of computer-based instruction where all students move through the same work has become obsolete. The iPad and similar technologies are proving to increase students’ motivation and success in learning, especially in reading and literacy skills. As more classrooms are becoming equipped with such tools, hopefully the future will lead to teachers being able to provide all students with more individualized educational plans.

Additional resources for information about the iPad taking the role of computers and books in the classroom:

Apple in Education- http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/

Interactive iPad Reading Experience- http://appsineducation.blogspot.com/2011/02/interactive-ipad-reading-experience.html

‘Reading Rainbow’ app aims to take kids to new learning heights- http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/science_tech/reading-rainbow-app-aims-to-take-kids-to-new-learning-heights-wcpo1340894862740

Reference

McClanahan, B., Williams, K., Kennedy, E., & Tate, S. (2012). A Breakthrough for Josh: How Use of an iPad Facilitated Reading Improvement. Techtrends: Linking Research And Practice To Improve Learning, 56(3), 20-28.

EDUC 7108 Module 1 Blog Post

Within the past few years, learning management systems (LMS) have emerged into K-12 and higher education. Rather than teachers having to manage gradebooks, assignments, and course information by paper and pencil or on different websites, LMS provide the capabilities to manage student assignments and grades, create class discussions, and provide resources and technology-focused instruction online. My Walden courses have just begun using the Blackboard LMS. I am already seeing how its format promotes communication and collaboration, as well as making it easier to navigate through the course modules and submit assignments. This new technology tool helps students to organize their work and have direct access to resources that will help them to learn the course content.

In a recent study of students’ perceptions using Blackboard as a LMS, Little-Wiles and Naimi (2011) expressed results in which students’ problems were with instructors not providing as much information as they could be in an online technology course. Although Blackboard provides the capabilities for mail, announcements, chats, discussions, and a calendar, a surprisingly small amount of instructors actually used each feature. The Blackboard (2012) website (http://www.blackboard.com/Markets/K-12/solutions/Teaching-and-Learning.aspx) provides information about each of its functional educational tools such as Blackboard Learn, Blackboard Collaborate, Blackboard Mobile Learn, and Edline for connecting and engaging diverse groups within the learning community.   

To increase the use of LMS such as Blackboard in classrooms and for online courses, instructors must have effective training and a clear understanding of how to use each feature and tool for instruction and providing course materials. Thornburg (2009) describes problems and challenges that arise as people collaborate in online courses stating, “the social dynamics of the group work will be more puzzling than the technology needed to provide these services” (p. 7). The technology is already available for students to be able to work and learn through LMS, but instructors must provide supportive and motivating guidance through the functions of the tool to help students learn successfully. This includes supporting conversations relating to the content through discussion boards, clearly expressing expectations through assignments and the syllabus, and providing grades in a timely manner with detailed feedback.             

References

Blackboard (2012). K-12 Solutions. Retrieved from http://www.blackboard.com/Markets/K-12/solutions/Teaching-and-Learning.aspx

Little-Wiles, J., & Naimi, L. L. (2011). Student Perceptions of and Experiences in Using The Blackboard 

Learning Management System. Global Education Journal, (4), 147-155.

Thornburg, D. D. (2009). Current trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.