Signing Off

If you asked a teacher what their ideal classroom looked like they would all vary, but there would probably be some common themes between them. I think they probably would include things such as  having students who are motivated to learn, being able to provide lessons and follow up activities that meets the students at their individual learning level, having time to assist all students, and making class interesting to the students. Somewhere covering outcomes might even be mentioned. This may seem like a tall order to some people, even people in the education system, but I would make a bet that if you asked my class if this was possible we would answer with a resounding YES! The best part is that it can also be accomplished for less money then what the schools and boards are currently spending on pricey software programs and archaic technology. I am not saying that the technology they are buying is not good, although some of it really is, but most of what they are purchasing could be replaced with a portable apple product.

If we wanted this ideal classroom to be a reality, which it is in some areas of the country already, then we need to invest in portable devices, wireless access in the schools, and training for teachers on the devices. The possibilities of how an iPad or iPod can be used to benefit students with multiple needs and abilities was demonstrated in our last class through various case studies. The apple products were used with someone as young as grade 1 up to a 31 year old and in varying capacities. They were used to assist with communication, task completion, relaxation, curriculum assessments, and behaviour reinforcement. Many of the case studies were also presented using the iPad through Power Point, Prezi, and Pictello.   
 
I have come to the end of another Assistive Technology course and have heard and discovered even more reasons why the apple products need to placed in the schools. I have heard very few reasons why they should not be implemented into the schools. I have also heard of schools where they have access to these great products and the differences they are making, but why is there a discrepancy? why do not all schools have the same access to technology or wireless internet? Why are we denying students access to a classroom where they are motivated to use the technology, where they can accomplish more in less time, and where there is a universal design for learning capability? For the most part many students have the beginning of this classroom in their pocket everyday.

Does it not say something about the iPad when a group of 20 or so teachers take their first assistive technology class in the summer of 2012 and a handful of them have an iPad; by the time they end their second assistive technology class in the Spring or 2013 only a handful of them don't have an iPad? And the best part, many of these teachers allowed their students to use their personal iPads in their classrooms because they see the immense benefits it can have on student learning. One day all schools and boards will realize the same thing, hopefully it happens sooner rather then later. I can not wait to teach in a classroom where all students have access to a mobile device!