Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Class Act: Teaching History with iPads
CARBONDALE -- Grade schoolers in Jackson County are using the latest technology to learn more about our nation's history. Students at Thomas Elementary School recently started using iPads to do research for Black History Month.
Before the holiday season, the school was awarded 29 brand new Apple iPads through a Title 1 grant. Administrators say using the iPads allow students to be more responsible and independent. "It's been helpful because it's easy to just look up stuff that you don't know about. It really helps you a lot," says second grader Marcus Covington. Right now, the children are working on a research project honoring African American heroes. Greer says in the past this type of project would have taken months because students would take turns using the two computers in the classroom. "It took weeks and weeks and weeks to research, where now we have a good half of our research done by having the iPads," says Greer. The kids have only used the iPads a handful of times, but it didn't take long for them to get used to the new technology. Next door, Michelle Garthe's class uses the iPads to improve their math skills. "They were a little weak in number sense and place value, and so that's what we've been using the iPads for," explains Garthe. Since students learn at different levels, the math applications have been helpful, catering to every student's abilities. "The more different ways a child experiences a concept, the more likely they are going to understand it because we all have different learning styles," says Garthe. Garthe and Greer both say allowing the students to use a tool like this is a sweet change for their classrooms. "They've really become engaged while using them. I think it gives them a since of freedom and taking control of their own education," says Greer. Administrators say it's too early to tell whether or not the iPads have helped improve scores, but for Thomas Elementary it's made learning a little more exciting. |
Marion Regional
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