Summary
Advances in technology have shaped the
way we live, learn, teach, interact, communicate, etc. Indeed, technology has restructure
education in many different ways, and it will continue changing in the future. The
article “Re-Imagine Your Library with iPads” by Lisa Perez is a perfect example
of how new technology has impacted the way students learn. Five schools in
Chicago were given the opportunity to be part of an experiment. The librarians
from the five schools received 32 iPads and Mac computers so the students could
use them. Librarians received training on how to use the devices and potential apps
that could be beneficial for the students. The five librarians formed part of a
program called Mobilary, in order for them to post data collected and receive
more information regarding the devices. Librarians also learned how to use
Google groups, Diigo, Google forms, and Google spreadsheet. After the
completion of 75% of the program, each librarian received $1,000 to buy
additional apps. At the end of the project, librarians realized that students
were more engaged when they used the iPad; other benefit of using iPads was
that it had faster access to the internet and they were more compact. The apps
really supported students learning and they actually enjoyed going to the
library and reading eBooks.
Did
iPads make a difference in libraries?
A-Perez
said, “We found out that using the iPad for our library instruction was a
powerful way to engage students in a variety of reading, writing, speaking, and
listening kills that address the NETS and the Common Core Standards in a way
that are also motivational to the students”. It is evident that students do
enjoy working with technology; it makes their learning experience more
enjoyable and entertaining.
Is
the use of iPads beneficial for all students and schools?
A-People
can also say that students are going to get used iPads only. They would refuse
to use actual books and that can be a problem because not every family here in
the United States can afford to buy an iPad. It is good to use and implement
technology in schools but we also have to keep in mind that sometimes parents
cannot provide students with advanced technology. I also feel that teachers
should never make it a requirement for all students to own expensive devices.
Perez, L. (2013, March). Re-Imagine
Your Library with iPads. In ISTE. Retrieved May 10, 2013, from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-leading/digitaledition/digital-edition-march-april-2013