Still Prefer My Netbook........For Now
This entry was posted on 6/7/2011 7:16 PM and is filed under uncategorized.
As my iPad and I get more acquainted, I find myself analyzing its place in my instructional technology program. For example, one of the cornerstones of our program is a modified 1-to-1 netbook project with fourth grade. We utilize a toolbox that consists of a word processor, a presentation application, a spreadsheet, and the Internet. A typical activity will call for the students to brainstorm in their word processor, create a presentation, and work with some data. Often they do simple research or get their instructions from the Internet.
My teachers utilize shared learning spaces to share assignments, links, and prompts. Many times students share documents with classmates and the teacher. These fourth graders have become amazingly proficient with Google Docs and can manage several applications at one time. My teachers and I can readily create tasks that not only address content standards, but offer connections to NETS standards as well.
For personal use, the iPad is my favorite information consumption device. I keep it handy for tasks that range from educational research to Angry Birds. I could see it replacing our textbooks, but at the moment, I can’t see replacing my $300 netbooks for our projects that call for student-directed research, collaboration, and creativity. For now, I’ll wait and see what the next generation iPad, or its competitor, has to offer.
Just Thinking........
