Technology is one of those tricky things. I remember the first computer my family got as a child, my mum's first cellphone that only called and the first device I got other than a cellphone (in fact I still have it!). Technology is a fantastic tool in every classroom but it has it's difficulties.
1. Staying charged
This is our number one issues in a class that uses mainly iPads and has 1 between 2. Devices are constantly being used then put away and "Plug your device in!" is something I have to say daily. I dream of a day when devices do not require a plug to charge and just need to be near a power source or have long lasting batteries that last for weeks not just a day or a few hours.
2. Practicality for purpose
Devices are fantastic to use and open doors for children that struggle with many parts of tradition schooling such as writing. BUT and this is a big one; they are not always fit for purpose. Whether that is because the website needs to be downloaded as an app on the iPad or the Mac doesn't have the right plug-ins for the game or video. The nightmare I encountered on my final teaching placement was using chrome books when the internet goes down (thanks to the road workers who cut the fiber!) I believe that there needs to be a balance although devices are great and there are opportunities for collaboration and innovation it is important we don't always rely on them totally. Always important to have a back up plan!
3. Getting apps and managing updates
This one is the ongoing issue we have with using iPads and tablets. Apps are great but in a space with 40 devices we find if difficult to get apps that are expensive and then there is the issue of getting them onto devices! An issue I have come across several times in the past few years is using certain websites that require an app when working on an iPad. A prime example is Google Drive and all of their Documents, Slides and Sheets. Although the system is great for online collaboration, needing apps to edit a document makes things difficult.
4. Keeping up with the changes in devices
This is the most difficult thing. I am bad enough keeping up with devices personally. Between the cost and the yearly updates in design and constant iOS updates I always seem to fall behind. Imagine a School trying to keep up! This has it's own issues. Having older devices means we don't get access to some newer apps or the latest updates of some apps as well as the iOS system. As an owner of the second generation iPod touch and an iPad from the 2012 I know the struggles and can only imagine what schools everywhere go through. There is a flaw in the system with devices that needs to be addressed as schools do not have the time or money to update their devices yearly.
Devices add potential to every classroom but there is still many flaws in the system that need to be addressed. I look forward to the day they can be used to their full potential in the modern classroom.
1. Staying charged
This is our number one issues in a class that uses mainly iPads and has 1 between 2. Devices are constantly being used then put away and "Plug your device in!" is something I have to say daily. I dream of a day when devices do not require a plug to charge and just need to be near a power source or have long lasting batteries that last for weeks not just a day or a few hours.
2. Practicality for purpose
Devices are fantastic to use and open doors for children that struggle with many parts of tradition schooling such as writing. BUT and this is a big one; they are not always fit for purpose. Whether that is because the website needs to be downloaded as an app on the iPad or the Mac doesn't have the right plug-ins for the game or video. The nightmare I encountered on my final teaching placement was using chrome books when the internet goes down (thanks to the road workers who cut the fiber!) I believe that there needs to be a balance although devices are great and there are opportunities for collaboration and innovation it is important we don't always rely on them totally. Always important to have a back up plan!
3. Getting apps and managing updates
This one is the ongoing issue we have with using iPads and tablets. Apps are great but in a space with 40 devices we find if difficult to get apps that are expensive and then there is the issue of getting them onto devices! An issue I have come across several times in the past few years is using certain websites that require an app when working on an iPad. A prime example is Google Drive and all of their Documents, Slides and Sheets. Although the system is great for online collaboration, needing apps to edit a document makes things difficult.
4. Keeping up with the changes in devices
This is the most difficult thing. I am bad enough keeping up with devices personally. Between the cost and the yearly updates in design and constant iOS updates I always seem to fall behind. Imagine a School trying to keep up! This has it's own issues. Having older devices means we don't get access to some newer apps or the latest updates of some apps as well as the iOS system. As an owner of the second generation iPod touch and an iPad from the 2012 I know the struggles and can only imagine what schools everywhere go through. There is a flaw in the system with devices that needs to be addressed as schools do not have the time or money to update their devices yearly.
Devices add potential to every classroom but there is still many flaws in the system that need to be addressed. I look forward to the day they can be used to their full potential in the modern classroom.
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