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:
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.
Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteThe iPad is a tool just like the kindle, iPhone, and netbook. All these tools use applications that enhance students ability to read independently. With applications that pronounce words, give definitions of words, and give synonyms of words; there is no need of a teacher to help them read. Maybe one day teachers will be obsolete in the classroom. With the Reading Rainbow app and others to follow, the television may also become obsolete. I remember watching Reading Rainbow on TV. With netflix and other apps available on the computer and tablets where students can watch movies and TV programs in an instance, why watch TV? You wrote a very interesting blog.
Tracy
Hi Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteYour presentation on the iPad as potent technology for standard development in reading is a great choice. The iPad technology has emerged and diffused in many K-12 schools in eastern and central States. The capabilities of highlighting texts are an element of multimedia design that caters for learning modes of audio visual.
The related apps in the iPad to iTunes and other reading material will expand technology both in hardware and software. You have made a great point where technology is catering more for individualized assistance.
3D and holographic inclusion for reverse action of the iPad is a great way for motivating students and allowing teacher to spend more time in critical development skills with each student. I believe there will be productivity improvement in reading and the core curriculum expectation of closing the performance gap will be enhanced.
Great post!
Hi Tiffany,
ReplyDeleteYou have mentioned a very good point that with the advent of these technologies a teacher can provide a quick guided practice or individualized activity for a student according to his/her needs. You have truly mentioned that these technologies enhance motivation for learning and reading skills. Tracy has cited several references in this regards in her blog. I wish all the school systems obsolete print editions of the textbooks/ workbooks and allowed students to carry one single magic box “tablet” using which students can refer their textbooks, complete their assignments and electronically submit with a submission receipt. Do you think if it is going to happen for K12 any time in future?