iPads in the Classroom

I had the pleasure of attending a two-day conference put on by the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) on October 20-21.  The conference was centered around the use of iPads in the classroom, and how this device is changing the face of education.  You can learn more about what was presented at the conference by clicking here.

This technology is being implemented in a 1:1 ratio (one iPad for every student)  in several cities in Michigan and all over the country.  Perhaps you saw the article in the Detroit Free Press about Zeeland's implementation of an iPad for every high school student.  It is an exciting time to be an educator and tech fanatic! 

We must always remember, though, that the learning comes first.  iPads, iPhones, and other technologies in the classroom are only aids to the real goal: the standards and benchmarks set out by each state regarding what every child should know.  Gifted teachers (like the ones here at St. Paul!) know when to bring in technology to enhance learning, and when the learning is better left to traditional practices like paper-and-pencil work, group projects, or one-on-one discussions.

Technology Etiquette

We've all seen it, and maybe our parents have been the guilty party a time or two: texting while driving, checking email while pushing a child on the swings, or checking his/her phone during a family meal.  I came across this article in Parenting Magazine this week, titled, "Are You Demonstrating Proper Technology Etiquette to Your Kids?"   As someone who is guilty of at least one of the above offenses at least once a week, I found this to be a helpful article. It's about prioritizing family time above all else, something for which we all could use a reminder.  And as we all know, children learn what they live.  How do we expect our children to be able to balance life in a digital society if we don't model that behavior for them? 

Common Sense Media

Through the research I've done to create curricula for the K-8 computer classes, I've stumbled upon some really great websites.  One is Common Sense Media.  There are exhaustive archives of lessons to teach children about safety on the Internet, good searching practices, digital citizenship, cyberbullying, and much more.  There are also helpful tools for parents, such as movie, book, and video game reviews and advice on such topics as consumerism and family media management.  Take some time to look it over! 

Class Prayer

Miss Curtin was a beloved teacher at St. Paul.  What many students might remember best about her was the prayer she recited with the children at the beginning of each class.  I wanted to continue the tradition of beginning our computer class with prayer, but composed my own, simple prayer to recite.

Gracious God,
Thank you for this time, this place, and these friends.
Point out the beginning, direct the progress, and help in the completion of my work today.
May we use this technology to better serve one another, and You.
Amen

What kinds of things would you include if you wrote your own prayer for computer class?  Should we add anything?  Remove anything?  We'll talk about it this week in class.