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JaNiesha Gibson
Ms. Veronica Collie
EDLT 301
2 March 2018

Integration of Tablet PC’s into the K-12 Classroom

Unlike any other computer device that has preceded it, the Tablet PC merges the

versatility and computing power of a notebook computer with the portability and ease of use

offered by a personal digital device (PDA). It is compact enough to carry anywhere, yet large

enough to replace a desktop computer, filing cabinet or any small library, essentially allowing

the user to take the classroom on anywhere. This paper evaluates what a tablet PC allows users to

do within an educational setting.

Using Tablet PCs in the classroom brings education to life. Many highlighted benefits

include the devices’ ease of use, wide range of teaching applications, suitability for personalized

learning, usefulness for demonstrations and small-group teaching activities, the ability to support

interactive and collaborative learning while increasing communication between teachers and

students (Dhir, Gahwaji and Nyman). There are also the multimodal aspects of Tablet PCs and

use for e-reading that support and improve student language and literacy development (Flewitt;

Dhir, Gahwaji and Nyman). For example, a foreign language teacher can use the tablet’s audio

recording elements to record students speaking in a foreign language, play it back and

subsequently instruct them on expression of the language and technique. Word-by-word visual

tracking, animation and audio support offer options for students who struggle with written text

(Hutchison, Beschorner and Schmidt-Crawford).

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Tablet PCs provide the user with constant access to information and communication that

has been associated with greater autonomy and motivation to learn (Churchill, Fox and King;

Hooft). Essentially, the interactive technology and vast amounts of information at the touch of

one’s fingertips has increased collaboration and motivation, improved the quality of

presentations, and made both teachers and students more creative. Additionally, the access to a

greater variety of resources and types of learning material offer the advantages of developing

student and teacher IT skills and providing a more personalized learning experience where

students can work at their own pace.

The use of mobile technology in learning is gradually changing the role of the teacher

(Johansson). Tablet PCs lessens direct transfer between teacher and student, and the teacher

becomes a facilitator and supporter of students in acquiring independent critical research skills

which are extremely vital to effectively participating in today’s global economy. Basically,

teachers have now become “filters” for search engines like Google and Bing guiding students

towards appropriate content rather than prescribing content. These devices could also feasibly

reduce teacher’s workload by providing easy content production and delivery to students while

also allowing for the digital collection and marking of assignments. Authentic benefits included

the ease of organization of notes, lesson plans and other learning materials and reduction in the

use of paper. Students can take tests, quizzes, view handouts and homework assignments right on

their tablets rather than using paper.

Tablet PCs are becoming quite popular among special needs educators (Pellerin; Terrer-

Perez). Since every child learns differently then their individual learning experience should differ

based on their needs. The benefits of Tablet PCs in improving the learning experience for

students with special needs differs across a spectrum of special needs. These include helping
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children with visual impairments learn to read and write (Hayhoe) to improving organization,

social skills and interpersonal communication in autistic children (Sultana and Hayhoe). Using

Tablet PCs in a special needs student learning experience can help focus the student’s attention

and support the improvement of the student’s developmental skills such as metacognition. By

allowing the special needs students to take control of his/her learning through using the Tablet

PC the students learning and confidence is also improved.

Although Tablet PCs possess numerous benefits there does exist a few drawbacks.

Technology can be a possible source of distraction (Karsenti and Fievez). Possession of a

personal devices such as a Tablet PC can constantly tempt students to chat with friends or play

games, thereby affecting the students’ academic performance. To remediate this classroom

management techniques and software that restrict student access to certain websites and

applications to prevent inappropriate use. Students may also find writing on a Tablet PC quite

difficult when write long text. Thus, assignments which require lengthy writing should be taken

into consideration when planning the lesson. Lastly, the problem of some teachers being unable

to plan for tablet use in the lesson or simply not being sufficiently informed about the technology

before it is introduced. Teachers should be appropriately trained in use of the device, technical

recommendations and useful applications for teaching.

In conclusion, there are many uses for Tablet PCs in the K-12 classroom. Tablets PC can

be used as aids for both students and teachers, are a great way to show textbooks and save paper,

have a variety of educational applications to improve academic performance and are easy to use.

As an educator the Tablet PC will allow for a personalized learning experience for students and

provide differentiated instruction for students of different intelligences, learning styles and

special needs. By using the different applications, the interactive touchscreen, audio and visual
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elements of a Tablet PC the teacher can effective uncover a new dimension of learning for the

students. Many lessons can be created using a Tablet PC from animated to authentic. Students

can learn through educational games apps, writing apps, reading apps, etc. Teachers can present

the lesson through these platforms or simply creative teaching resources for students to

effectively master the learning outcomes. Classrooms are constantly changing and evolving as

learning becomes more technology based and interactive. While there is no substitute for hands-

on classroom learning Tablet PCs can greatly enhance learning experiences for student in and out

the classroom

Prezi Link:
https://prezi.com/view/bL6l0aPKqyXUJZgPrwi1/
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Works Cited

Churchill, Daniel, Bob Fox and Mark King. "Study of Affordances of iPads and Teachers'
Private Theories." International Journal of Information and Education Technology
(2012): 251-254.
Dhir, Amandeep, Nahla Gahwaji and Gote Nyman. "The Role of the iPad in the Hands of the
Learner." Journal of Universal Computer Science (2013): 716-717.
Flewitt, Rosie. Multimodal Perspectives on Early Childhood Literacies. London: SAGE, 2012.
Hayhoe, Simon. "Using an iPAd with a Blind Student: A Case Study at Sharjah Women's
College." Dowling, S, et al. eLearning in Action: Opening up Learning. Abu Dhabi: HCT
Press, 2012.
Hooft, Mark Van't. "'The Potential of Mobile Technologies to Connect Teaching and Learning."
Mouza, Chrystalla and Nancy (Eds.) Lavigne. Emerging Technologies for the Classroom:
Exploration in the Learning Sciences, Instructional Systems and Performance
Technologies. New York : Springer Science & Business Media, 2013. 176-186.
Hutchison, Amy, Beth Beschorner and Denise Schmidt-Crawford. "Exploring the Use of the
iPad for Literacy Learning." The Reading Teacher (2012): 15-23.
Johansson, Sara. "'Pedagogers Adaption av Surfplattor: En Studie av Implementeringen av iPad i
en F-5 skola." Doctoral Thesis. 2012.
Karsenti, Thierry and Aurelien Fievez. The iPad in Education: Uses, Benefits and Challenges. A
Survey of 6,057 Students and 302 Teachers in Quebec, Canada. Preliminary. Montreal:
Library and Archives Canada, 2013.
Pellerin, Martine. "E-inclusion in Early French Immersion Classrooms: Using Digital
Technologies to support inclusive practices that meet the needs of all learners." Canadian
Journal of Education (2013): 44-70.
Sultana, Nafees and Simon Hayhoe. " Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs."
Dowling, S, et al. Elearning in Action: Redefining Learning. HCT Educational
Technology Series. Abu Dhabi: HCT Press, 2013.
Terrer-Perez, Patricia. Digital Assistive Technology: A Core Skill for OTs Working with
Children. 12 January 2013. OT News.
 12th Grade Biology Class Newsletter
February, 2018

Memorable Moments

January has left our class with an abundance of unforgettable

memories! This month we embark to create new learning experiences
with many engaging and interactive activities. Please ensure that you
join us on Valentine’s Day as we celebrate National Organ Donor Day
and mark February 21-28 on your calendar as Mid-term Break.

FOCUS ON
This month we will have a parent volunteer in our
class during the day to help us with our lab work.
Mrs. Romer is a geneticist and will assist with our
Genetics labs, so please ensure to welcome her
when she arrives! For additional information on
the labs see the section entitled What’s
Happening in Biology Class!
CLASSROOM NEWS
The week of February 5-9th we will be
completing our current unit of study, The Cell
with the concentration on Mitosis and Meiosis.
Get a head start by checking this link
http://www.johnkyrk.com/mitosis.html which
will take you through a step by step animation of
mitosis and meiosis designed by Mr. John Kirk.
February 12th we will begin our new Unit which
focuses on Genetics.
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BIOLOGY
CLASS
We will soon begin a new unit on Genetics.
Modern genetics began with the work of the
Augustinian friar Gregor Johann Mendel. His
work on pea plants, published in 1866, described
what came to be known as Mendelian inheritance.
It is this work that has coined him the “father of
genetics”. One of the labs we will be completing
involves an online simulation with Drosophilia
flies. So, check out this activity ahead of time &
see how you can manipulate future generations of
flies. http://web.mit.edu/star/genetics/index.html

Genetics is important aspects of Science used to diagnose, treat,

prevent and cure many illnesses. Thus, we can help your
children understand their own health and make healthy choices.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or
comments. Remember, you are always welcome to participate
and be a part of the learning experience