It is always difficult to know what is right and wrong when beginning something new. For example, I would have no clue what to do with a whole set of new iPads in my classroom; what do I do with them? How do I sync them? What should I not let the students do? Luckily, the podcast Classroom iPod Touches & iPads Dos and Don’ts, goes through a whole list of items to help teachers manage these devices.
We will start off with some of the “Dos” that Tony Vincent recommends. First off, Vincent recommends creating a usage contract. By doing this, the teacher sets limits for the students and requires that they follow the rules. In addition, this contract makes the parents follow these rules so that everyone uses these resources in the best possible way. Next, Vincent says that naming iPods or iPads is important so that students (and teachers) can keep track of their device, but more importantly that they can save work and have specific applications to help them with their schoolwork. One of the pieces of advice Vincent gives is to consistently clean and maintain each device. If there are playlists or folders that are not being used, then there is no need for them and they take up space. It also helps the students stay organized with their devices.
To counteract the “Dos”, Vincent also gives some “Don’ts” for these devices. The first is that the teacher should not give the students the password to the iTunes. This way, the students cannot download things that they should not or things that are not necessary for the device. Second, don’t use liquid cleaners of the iPods or iPads. With students, it is natural for fingerprints to accumulate on the screen, but it is better for the devices to use clothes or other cleaners so that the items last longer. Finally, Vincent says that we (teachers) should not stop learning about all of the new things that are developing in iPods and iPads. If we do, then we might miss some cool, useful, and important updates for each of these tools.
No comments:
Post a Comment