Participants
Cassandra Cloud, David Schultz, Rachel Foster and Scott Nelson
Question
K12 settings are quickly becoming a mixture of BYOD, iPad deployments, or Chromebook deployments. What are the benefits to each of these types of mobile learning initiatives? Describe how each could be utilized to reach high level learning on Bloom’s Updated Taxonomy.
Google Hangout
Group Response
Through our discussion we evaluated each of the mobile technologies and their deployment (iPads, Chromebooks and BYOD). We discussed the pros and cons to each mobile technology and what teachers have or potential will face when implementing these ideas. In the end we came to a mutual understanding that there is no “best” practice for schools. Every district is different and faces different challenges with network, financing, number of students to device, professional development for teachers once devices are deployed, etc. Each scenario opens up the door to an entire new world in the classroom setting. Schools getting these devices or opting for BYOD are allowing students to create content, collaborate, and communicate with students/teachers inside and outside of the school walls. Doing all of these allows students to think critically on the content he or she is working towards remembering. Having devices allows a new opportunity for students to learn. Not every student is a pen and paper type of learner. The iPads or Chromebooks not only leave the opportunity open for still writing your common paper to apply and reflect learning, but they also allow students to create through Google Apps, or analyze through a variety of websites. In the end the school just needs to decide what is best for their learning community. Are they in an area where most students have a device already, or would they need to provide a device for those that do not? Below we came to the conclusion of pros versus cons in each deployment model.
Personal Response
For our group discussion on Mobile Learning in the k-12 environment I played a couple key rolls. First I took the lead on setting up and facilitating the Google hang out for our group. Since we are all very busy and live pretty far apart we decided meeting virtually would be best. Google hangouts gave us the ability to not only meet virtually, but also record and document our session as well through a YouTube live event.
Secondly I was able to provide insight to what I am seeing with the k-12 schools I am working with around ohio on implementing mobile technology into their districts. Everything from schools with a strict no-cell phone policy to others adopting a, bring your own device initiative or even school wide one to one deployment programs.
What we are seeing with College Ready Ohio around the state is that every school has its own challenges and barriers when it comes to using or embracing mobile technology but ultimately the adoption of mobile learning is something that needs to be embraced and advocated for from the top down. In order to be successful the administration needs to encourage the implementation to the teachers, students, and even the parents and community.
A huge part of my job is using and teaching the use of mobile technology. After discussing with the group and experiencing the wide range of abilities and time teachers have with using mobile technology for education I know there is no secret formula for success. I can’t just create a video or step-by-step guide on how to use mobile technology in the classroom because what works for one person may not work for another. So differentiation of instruction is going to be vital to the success of the teachers, instructors, and faculty I am working with through the Office of Distance Education and eLearning as well as College Ready Ohio.
Lastly I question how we can embrace the full power of mobile learning and technology when standardized test are really driving the course of education for students and teachers today. So many teachers I have worked with would love to use mobile technology in the classroom for more authentic assessments and applications but feel like they cant because of the pressure that is on them to prepare their students for the standardized test that are being pushed down to them.
Unfortunately until this changes, for most schools mobile technology with always be something that is out of reach and going to be the “future” of education rather then today’s education.
Pros & Cons Chart
Group Assessment
Notes From the Google Hangout
Cassandra: Students can use apps and do every level of Bloom’s Taxonomy. ThingLink- creating: video casting. Analyzing: add a hyperlink.
David using Chromebooks in math. Google Slides to create presentations. They had to teach someone else how to do their specific problem.
Rachel: iPad’s are a personal device when used at home. When used at school it’s more frustrating because several students use it. Other applications can be used to manage this problem but then you have to control those applications. There need to be a lot of changes in how schools deploy them.
Chromebooks are more catered to the education side and since it’s all Google it reminds the user that they someone else is logged in.
David: Students got their gmail login through the school and it worked really well. His district did a good way employing the use of Chromebooks.
Rachel: Setting up these accounts for kids at school means students can work on things at home and school. No more saying they left work at home.
Scott: Works with a lot of schools at different stages especially when it comes to mobile technology. One school is a one to one Mac Air and the students use it through all their years at school there. One school just got Wifi in the school recently. Teachers had a strict no cell phone policy. Now they are loosening up and letting students use them in the classroom. Scott’s company that he works for is giving iPads to school for students to use. It’s important to think about network support and security.
It needs to be your personal device so students can take the device with them to work at home. Why are we taking that tool away from them when they go home? Schools are making their own textbooks with iBooks instead of wasting money on textbooks. They are using the money for technology. Chromebooks offer a lot of great things because they can access their work at home. Its better to take technology home.
Rachel: Student when they start school gets a Chromebook or device. Student and school puts in money for the device and then the student uses the device till they graduate. They keep the device. EdTech Teacher where you can check apps and see if they are both on the Chromebook or iPad. Bring your own device is great but teachers need the resources.
Dave: District goal is to get one device for every two kids. Two years ago they started getting Chromebook carts. Two carts between two teachers. Online quizzes, projects, and working on Google Docs were several methods of using Chromebooks. Older teachers not familiar with the technology are starting to get on board and very interested in Google classroom.
Cassandra: Chromebooks were underutilized in school because of lack of training.
David: He would use online quiz applications like Kahoot and Socrative. For certain activities it works out well and students can use devices. Getting into wifi students had to put in their student ID. Bring their own device is scary because if you have a certain goal that you want to accomplish you have to make sure they have the correct devices.
Scott: One school is trying to employ bring your own device and it has gone very well. Students use phone, iPad or team up with a buddy. Teacher has to be open to how they will create their product whether it’s a video or presentation etc. The teacher has to be able to assess a lot of different products.
Rachel: Problem when a student has an iPad and the school uses Chromebooks (in a BYOD scenario). If they don’t have a charger and they can’t use an application because they don’t have the right technology.
Scott: Flipping the classroom needs to be done in baby steps like flipping a lesson then flipping one course. Bring your own device is a great first step. Not mandated to bring a device but make it an option. If it’s more distracting then leave it at home.
Cassandra: K-3 is good to introduce iPads.
Rachel: K-3 Introduce apps. Once they get 3/4th grade you can start doing more activities with them. Colleges are using different types of technologies. Google is really good for younger grades but try to involve other technologies like Macs.
David: Some teachers are introducing technology in grades K-3 which helps higher grades.
Scott: Technology helps touch the higher level but are teaching the lower Bloom’s taxonomy.
Cassandra: Haiku Deck- Remembering: Googling info. For a presentation and Applying: editing.
Rachel: Some kids learn by creating. Scott and Rachel both prefer creating. Using that creativity hits all of Bloom’s taxonomy.