I Have an iPad. Now What?

Link to Article: I Have an iPad. Now What?

          Numerous generations of people, young and old, are using mobile devices on a daily basis. This article focuses on the use of mobile devices, specifically iPads, being used at the university level for pre-service teachers. In 2013, an iPad initiative was introduced to all physical education majors at a university in New England. The goal of this initiative was to prepare future teachers to use the iPad as a teaching and learning tool so they could be successful in schools where iPad use has become universal. Despite some initial drawbacks such as faculty member’s comfort level with the technology and student anger over the purchasing of the iPads, it generated important discussions regarding pedagogies and student control over their own learning.

          The first step in the initiative was gathering learning objectives from all required courses for physical education majors, ensuring that they were measurable and used active verbs related to Bloom’s taxonomy. Faculty members then created assessments using those learning objectives to show what the students should know and be able to do by the end of each course. Some examples of assessments that were created include student-created blogs, concept maps, digital ethnographies, and public safety announcements. Next, staff members created their own pedagogy wheels and then presented their work at workshops and conferences. In the end, although many students and faculty were hesitant about this initiative, it created great opportunities for student-centered learning, technology innovation, and higher-order thinking skills.

          In my opinion, this initiative is an awesome idea, especially in terms of assessing students. We all know that no student learns the same. Therefore, when students are constantly being assessed through quizzes and tests, some are unable to show what they really know. I think the idea of assessing students through programs on an iPad could be very beneficial for all. They are able to use their imagination and creativity, problem-solving skills, and show their teachers what they know in a way that makes most sense to them. I will admit as a math teacher, that my PLC and I have all of our assessments using paper and pencil, because that’s the easiest way for us to assess what the students know. However, after reading this article I think I want to explore more ways I can assess my student’s mathematical skills.

Resources:

Rosenthal, M.B., & Eliason, S.K. (2015). “I Have an iPad. Now What? Using Mobile Devices in University Physical Education Programs. JOPERD: The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 86(6). Retrieved from http://web.b.ebscohost.com.library.aurora.edu/ehost/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?vid=20&sid=0cfe3cc0-ea91-4a1c-a417-c1ed78c8a95e%40sessionmgr120