9 thoughts on “iSchool Video”

  1. Thanks Matt,
    I just watched and then shared this video on our new Hudson Valley Writing Project ning site for our upcoming SI. Perfect,and thanks again,
    Bonnie

  2. Well-put together presentation but I can think of a few big holes in the argument. The biggest is the “environmental impact” argument. I think putting millions more iTouch/phones into circulation with all of the subsequent e-waste and increased energy needs is at best a wash and at worst a disaster. I also question hanging our hat just on one company. This is all, of course, assuming you buy the basic premise that millions of these devices would magically solve all of our educational problems including poverty and basic literacy. I have students that don’t even have a regular phone or uninterrupted electrical service, so providing these devices are going to be of little help. And how will their parents be in the loop he mentions? Will we be providing them with these devices as well?

    Just some things to think about.

    Thanks!

  3. @teacherninja

    I think you have a point about the environmental impact of increased circulation of computers but I haven’t heard anyone argue that we shouldn’t integrate technology because it’ll hurt the environment.

    I am also acutely aware of the digital divide in the schools in which I work. However, where I see I large divide between those who have internet connected computers and those who do not, nearly every parent at our school has an e-mail address and often an internet connected telephone. Even if parents are unable to communicate via their own devices, withholding the devices from students until the parents get them will mean never having them in class.

    As for hanging our hopes on only one company, I am, of course, a big fan of Apple but if another company were to release a device that were as exciting I would think I could get on board. There’s an advantage to having everyone using the same device regardless of the company in terms of tech support and teacher comfort level. In addition, the iPod touch uses applications created by thousands of third party developers so we’re not hanging our hopes on one company but buying devices that allow others to develop them.

    Thanks for your thoughts.

  4. Good arguments. I still wonder about reading on an iTouch and think maybe netbooks night be a better choice for 1 to 1 computing, but it’ll certainly be interesting to see what happens over the next decade or so. Thanks.

  6. I actually just bought my first iTouch and I’m a HUGE fan. It’s much cooler than I could ever have imagined, and I can see so many ways in which it could be useful and even transformative in a school setting. But I wonder…if you integrate this kind of device into the school day, couldn’t it become a serious source of distraction? How would you make sure that kids don’t tune out with the iTouch? Even if they tune out by reading school-related emails or visiting education-related websites, it still seems like it could pose problems in the classroom. I know I’m easily distracted by it!

  7. The distraction argument has been made in terms of integrating multimedia in the curriculum, using the internet, realia. It seems that making school a boring place has the biggest danger of tune out possible.

    What you’re describing, I think, is a classroom management issue. When I pass out linking cubes for teaching addition there’s the same tune-out danger. I always give students time to play with the cubes before starting the lesson. But once the lesson starts, if you’re messing around then I take the linking cubes. Same with the iPod Touches, netbooks, laptops, whatever you’re using.

  9. Hello Travis Allen,
    You have created a welcoming invitation and a peak into the future!

    I have worked with a variety of devices in the classroom with great success and no regrets. Manipulatives like cubes and rods as well as calculators and spread sheets have their appropriate uses. Let’s be clear, we welcome the student input and challenge. It is the professional that needs to refine the goals/tasks. The dream evolves from our expression regarding our shortcomings as one teacher to one classroom.

    I for one see imy iphone/itouch as a way to develop increased individualization: for me a record keeping device including a literature record as well as the mundane recording/ planning tasks such as the the mastery level of vocab, phonemes, multiplication tables, fractions and writing skills. Our grade books have long been out-moded and bringing a laptop to each student’s desk is cumbersome. Bringing the student to our desk has its merrits but I cannot see into my student’s desk (or notebook) from my desk in the” front” of the room.
    My physician pulls his handheld device from his labcoat pocket before prescribing for me.. at my hospital bed or at my office visit. One would hope that he has the details of my last blood test as well as the the chemical/pharmaceutical names and their interaction on such a device. I know that one physician includes a picture of me for his viewing before I walk through the door. WOW! Individualization in the doctor’s office-isn’t that what we have been yearning for…an individualized educational plan (IEP) for all.

    Good luck in your goal! I look forward to hearing more about your project. Let’s give him some “progressive” vision without declaring the bumps in the road as fatal flaws! It may not be the end of the road but the IPHONE/ITOUCH has possibilities to release our imagination. My imagination centers on making my management of the classroom easier ie the attendance roll. However, I do look forward to the day when I can speak to my docor and show him my booboo, too.

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