Module 4
"Are There Educational Apps For My Learners?"
As far as experience goes in this topic, I have to say my experience actually using mobile tools with learners has been a tad limited (unfortunately). The district I am in seems to believe that my being in each of my buildings 1 and 1/2 days a week is enough to teach and also use mobile tools with my students. I have used some Google applications with them, as well as the OSMO program for the iPad (to do a bit of coding), Lego Mindstorms, and some reading applications. Other than that, I didn’t see any way that I could incorporate other mobile technologies into my library classroom. After exploration this week, I think I have a few ideas on how to incorporate things into the library setting!
My thoughts about learners using mobile devices in the classroom vary. I believe that it is a great thing for learners to be able to use technologies of all different sorts. However, I don’t believe it should be the sole method of teaching those learners. You can’t sit a child in front of a computer and expect them to learn just because they have technology. While I am fully aware of children’s enquiring minds and how “ok” they are with exploring technology, it seems that some teachers think that they don’t have to teach if the students have the technology - and that just isn’t the case. I love technology, don’t get me wrong, and think it is an excellent aide to teaching but it shouldn’t be the sole focus in every class or all the time.
