#6 still on the road

We need to consider whether our schools are prepared to take the step into the world of mobile devices. We should ensure they make a difference for children’s learning. There are a number of studies about “one to one” laptop programmes. I have been lucky enough to see “one to one” ipad and ipod schools and districts. All have shown progress against standardized tests but the exact interrelationship is not concrete evidence. In fact the American schools system lends itself well to systematic apps that drill children, I saw lots of use of maths and spelling apps. However there are a number of well led schools with great teachers who have diversified into creative learning opportunities using iPads as a tool ( and not the only tool). As we know New Zealand schools dont want to spend good money on new ways to drill students in reading and writing. We know what works - encouraging reflective thought and action, facilitating shared learning, creating a supportive learning environment, enhancing the relevance of new learning, making connections to prior learning and experience, teaching as inquiry, eLearning and pedagogy.

What I've seen and transferring it to a new zealand setting is exciting. We have the creative curriculum, if you are that creative teacher then take a pugh and jump right in.

On another note.

I would love the doubters of the iPads, to challenge what an iPad can't do as compared to a laptop and we will see if they stack up. Its not a fight i'm looking for its just time to justify what you are really doing on the lappie.

Lastly for you mac haters out there, before you duck off to buy south koreas latest hardware and combine it with our friend Mr google you may need to read this blog on why school deployment of android is a little fickle at the moment. Add to that apps written for the commonwealth bank in australia for android, none of them are actually linked to the bank, just some russian in cyberspace ;)