***MUST READ*** How have the new iPads affected your classroom?

I don't know how the rest of you feel, but now that my students have iPads in our classroom, we are finding more and more uses for them. Daily, I see a need and justification for 1-to-1. Having more technology in my classroom has transformed the way that I teach, the type of assignments I give, and the way my students respond to both. My students are contributing to the lessons that I teach, which blows me away. Today we read a Christmas story with Mary Engelbreit's illustrations and my "Super Student" looked her up and then emailed the link to me. I was able to pull up the link on the Promethean and we read about how Mary Engelbreit got started as an illustrator. When we are reading or studying a topic and come across an unfamiliar word, my students will "google" the word and then read the definition to the class without being told. This technology is motivating them to participate in their own learning and contribute more to our classroom learning. 

More of the assignments that I give require research (now that we have more technology to do so) and I've been amazed by my students' response. They LOVE choosing their own topic and then conducting independent or partner research. So far, they've been great about sharing the iPads or even pairing up on one to help each other search for information. I often hear them sharing their findings with a neighbor with great enthusiasm.  

I've also noticed that my students are figuring out how to create assignments and presentations on the iPads. Today, one of my students created a collage for a project on an iPad that was incredible! Now they all want to use this app to create a collage. Another is completing the same assignment with iMovie. I'm excited to see the progression as they figure out more ways to express their ideas and learning!

This additional technology has changed our learning environment, and I feel all for the better! My kids are creating, authoring, editing, researching, teaching, and they're engaged and excited to use this new technology! It's so exciting!

Here is an article about how having iPads in the classroom has changed education - very good read! Here is an article about a Texas school that went 1-to-1 with iPads and how it transformed learning in the classroom. It mentions the need for teacher training and the importance of using technology to prepare our students for college and career-ready.

I would love to hear about your student's experiences with iPads in your classroom!