Are preschool students too young to use iPads in the
classroom? Beschorner and Hutchison (2013) show that in at least one case study
iPads can be used as a literacy teaching tool. Below are three examples from
the study that show how the iPads were seen to increase literacy skills in two
preschool classes studied.
The iPads helped students develop an awareness of print. The
students were able to recognize the symbols and images that represented various
apps. Students could switch between apps without needing assistance. They were also
able to work independently to purposefully search for specific apps that they
had previously worked with. They were able to understand that the symbol on the
PBS Kids app was the same symbol that they recognized from the PBS Kids
television programming.
The iPads also supported the students’ emerging writing
skills. Many preschoolers consider themselves writers and enjoyed using the
technology to doodle letters and pictures. Apps such as Doddle Buddy, allow
students to draw pictures as well as letters. Some students used the iPads to
write their names. For those that could not yet form letters, use of the on-screen
keyboard allowed students type letters to go with their pictures. The
portability of the iPads allowed students to move around and copy words that
were printed around the room.
iPads can also show connections between reading, writing,
listening and speaking in a way beyond the traditional listening center.
Students are able to use apps that read books aloud to students, with many of
these apps highlighting the words as they are read. Other apps allow students
to record themselves reading the stories. This allows the students to
demonstrate their understanding of the story development. With apps such as
Storykit, students are able to draw pictures, type words, insert photos and
record audio. Students can create their own stories or retell familiar stories.
iPads in the library should be a natural extension from the
classroom as we service the same digital natives. There are many ways that the
iPads can be used in the library for productivity, but it is important to see
that they can be used to advance each student’s educational goals. Programs can
be personalized depending on each student’s readiness level. Early elementary
students could participate in a scavenger hunt around the library. By labeling
various common items around the library. Students could be armed with an iPad
with pictures of these items. As students locate each item, they could copy the
word representing each item. Students who cannot yet form letters could use an
on-screen keyboard. Other students may choose to write the letters with their
fingers. Extensions could be made depending on the student’s age and ability.
Students could be asked to draw a picture or write a word that rhymes with each
of the words in the scavenger hunt. This is an example of a simple use of the
iPads that requires minimal preparation and allows the students to move around
while increasing literacy skills.
References:
Beschorner, B. & Hutchison, A. (2013). iPads as a
literacy teaching tool in early childhood. International Journal of
Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 1(1), 16-24.
