Blog Post 2: iPads in the Classroom

Using an iPad in Inclusive Preschool Classrooms to Introduce STEM Concepts is, as the title suggests, about preschool students using iPads in the classroom for learning activities. Through different applications, such as Monkey Math, preschool students are introduced to the concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The article brings up the point that technology in our day to day lives, even for young children, is increasing and that technological increase should occur in educational spheres as well. Some examples of this include touch screen check outs at stores, video games, computers, et cetera. Incorporating STEM concepts through technology is extremely important for student success in those fields from an extremely early age, such as preschool, because it instills interest, motivation, and curiosity in those subjects. These results are shown by research findings in the article. STEM concepts introduced in preschool also encourage understanding of visible cause and effect, different outcomes, and interaction between other students.

Technology is meant to make information more accessible and make things more efficient, whether used at the grocery store, a classroom, or in a library. There are a variety of options for iPads in regard to library use. iPads could be stationed in self-service areas to help users search for materials and inform them about which areas those materials are located in. They could also be available in the children’s section of the library and be set up next to certain book displays if those books have an educational game developed around them. There is a huge amount of literacy and learning apps related to books, such as apps correlating to Dr. Seuss. Even if the apps do not correlate to a book, they could still correlate to a subject like math or writing. Another idea, for a smart TV or large screen, rather than an iPad, would be to set up a slideshow of events going on in that library and have it be visible to the public as they enter the library, so users have visual ideas of all the fun community events and group learning. iPads could also be set up for rent in a teen or college student section of the library. Those iPads could have helpful study apps installed, such as electronic note cards/flash cards and apps such as Smartr. In the teen or adult section, there could also be cozy “study break areas” where iPads or tablets are connected to Netflix and a user can watch a TV episode while taking a break from studying, then reconvene. The options for iPad use within a classroom or a library are vast, and should be taken advantage of by institutions that have those resources. This is still an emerging field of interest and I'm sure much more research will be done to find which apps, devices, and technology, are the most beneficial in those settings. 

References:

Aronin, S., & Floyd, K. K. (2013). Using an iPad in Inclusive Preschool Classrooms to Introduce STEM Concepts. Teaching Exceptional Children, 45(4), 34-39.