Technology+Beliefs+Discussion





Lacey Tait

iPads, iPods and Smart Boards make learning fun at oneVancouverschool Technology Beliefs Group 3

Elsie Roy elementary in Vancouver is one of the pioneering schools bringing iPads and other smart devices to the classroom. Generous donations from parents and service groups made the $25,000 purchase possible at a time when cash was tight. Along with the 30 iPads the school started with, they have 15 iPod touches, laptops, desktop computers, and smart boards. Young children use the iPads to help learn the alphabet along with addition and subtraction all with interactive applications that make learning fun. Students are encouraged to bring any cell phone or other smart devices to class as well. The article goes on talking about how there is more of an urgency to start using technology in the classrooms and the iPad and other devices are tools to help with that. The principal has big dreams for the schools in the future such as a web-site that connects teachers, students, and parents all at once, building-wide Wi-Fi, and a way for the students to access their school projects at home. The school is still experimenting but the early signs are encouraging, they say teachers are noticing an increased knowledge in many subjects. One of the donators talked about how he thinks it's critical that schools embrace technology and teach them how to use it because technology empowers kids. Discussion: I wasn't totally aware of all the possibilities out there with technology in the classroom but after reading this article I am amazed and find myself agreeing with the urgency to advance schools with a new way of using technology in the classroom. It may feel like schools are spending too much money on the tools to help this cause, but in the long run it would be saving the schools money. There would be less paper used for homework, assignments, handouts, test etc., and students wouldn't need to purchase text books either. The smart devices give fast access to information and students would get a more hands on and visual learning experience. I think in this day and age the world is progressing so much with technology why not embrace that and try and apply new ways to help with teaching? Kids are empowered by technology and we should try to teach them how to use it so they can continue to advance and expand the limits of their minds. As long as we use the new technology in moderation, I think it can be such a great tool in the classroom.