Blog Post 2: Handheld Devices

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.