The comments to the iSchool video I posted give some insight into some of the challenges involved in implementing one to one technology of any kind:
Chelsea asks, “Won’t students tune out if we use iPod Touches in the classroom?”
I say…The distraction argument has been made in terms of integrating multimedia in the curriculum, using the internet, math manipulatives, realia, etc. It seems that making school a boring place has the biggest danger of tune out possible. How many students tune out listening to their teacher lecture all day?
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.
Good point…making school boring is, in my opinion, a worse fate than bringing in an exciting new technology that could be slightly distracting at times. And maybe my concerns are simply a reflection of my own inability to focus when I have my iTouch within reach!
Rule number 1 for handing out technology to students – go over safety rules before handing out technology.
Rule Number 2 – Build in “explore time” before you you start the lesson.
Engaged students are learning students. I was distracted in school because I was off day dreaming – because i was bored. When I write my lessons I want the students engaged – and technology is the best way for me to do this.
I have to admit I agree with the fact that it can be distracting. However, the more technology I use in the gym the more the students are engaged , the more they understand and the more they are willing to try new things. I am a physical education teacher, I use pedometers to measure their steps then we use a wesite to convert the steps to miles, and calories burned. I also have the ability to use heart rate watches that show up in a graph on a PDA. The students think “its cool” to see what their heart rate is doing when they are exercising.
Also, I used to use about 50 CD’s that I would have to shuffle through to find the one I need. I recently just bought an Ipod so that I can be more organized. Now I will just have to have the lists available for the students when they are picking thier music for certain lessons. Now begins the long download process of all my cd’s.
Mathew,
I’ve found that my high school students will explore technology and have fun with it in their own way and then settle down and work on my assignment. I can honestly say that I don’t have a problem with that. They take mini breaks and that’s OK with me. I can’t concentrate for 75 minute straight either without a little break myself.
My reluctant/struggling learners tell me time and time again they wish more teachers let them use Web 2.0 technology in the classroom. They love it when their work looks as good a what they see online. That’ really motivating.