Technology Tool #2: Handheld Devices

Since the development of the Internet, it would be hard to argue that any technology tool has had a stronger impact on student learning, than hand held devices, such as; cell phones, tablets and iPods.  The impact of handheld devices is controversial in the education. 

A lot of children today can effectively navigate their way through an iPad before they can even read.  Prior to officially entering the school system, they have started their learning through the use of engaging apps and videos.  As they progress through school, they eventually work their way up to carrying technology with them where every they go, many of them with around the clock access to the internet.

But what impact does this have on teaching and learning in the K-12 setting?  I think it just depends on how you yourself view technology.  If you think of it as a distraction to learning, then I believe that is what it will become.  If you embrace is as an important technology tool then you will be able to successfully incorporate it into your program. 

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) days are becoming more and more popular in elementary.  Schools are playing with the idea of how to effectively use these in the classroom and frameworks are being developed to help ease school into allowing this more often.  For instance, the ‘BYOD Planning and Implementation Framework’ is just one of the many resources that is available to help ensure a successful BYOD initiative in schools.  It gives all sorts of advice on setting up BYOD teams, and discusses that heavy demands it can plan on the network infrastructure.  One think that I thought was interesting about this resource is that it talks about setting up a Portal that staff, students and parents could access the software needed to keep everyone current.  All these aspects are important to consider before going down this path.

 

In the classroom, there are an infinite amount of uses for these devices.  At their basic levels, they are cameras, calculator, web browsers and social media outlets.  But, there is much more to these devices.  With the ability to download applications, these devices can do anything.  Both Google and Apple have over one million apps each and this number is growing every day.  Teachers can track class behaviour using Class Dojo, track student work using Evernote, or even remind student of tests using Remind 101.  While students can study using flashcards on Chegg or Studyblue, translate words into any language using Google Translate or learn anything they want about science on Science360.  The list can go on and on, and it grows every minute.

 

Overall, handheld devices have the ability to influence ever student in every grade.  More and more, this is becoming part of their existence and it is important they learn to view technology as a tool of productively, not just a tool for social interaction and enjoyment.  Like all things, this will need to be taught, what better place to teach it than school?