Tate, author of article, describes this generation of schools to be on a digital revolution. More and more students are beginning to understand how to use technology and how it can help them in the classroom. China is a major exporter for the company Apple, which produces iPods, iPads, Mac computers, and all the high tech gadgets these days. Students across the world are becoming more comfortable with using iPads in the classroom in order to follow the teacher along with the lesson. "Kids are not only able to access material but use a number of tools to construct learning in a completely different way from what they've seen before," said Camilla Gagliolo, the instructional technology coordinator for Arlington Public Schools. Tate states that allowing students to use these in the classrooms opens up a new chapter for learning and wanting to come to school. It is also changing the way students interact with the teachers, and makes it a more personal learning environment. Teachers in digital classrooms have become learning coaches, moving around the room and giving students more one-on-one instruction. Educators who have embraced this approach said it better prepares students for the interactive environments they’ll encounter in their college and professional lives. The tablets offer a variety of uses for the students such as being able to take notes, use a calculator, edit movies, submit assignments, and many more.
I really enjoyed reading Tate's article because I think this should have occurred a few years earlier. Although we are entering a digital revolution around the world, it still isn't effecting every school district in the United States, or even close to reaching schools across the world. I am a huge Apple supporter, and I believe that with the right tools, everyone can jump on board with this technology and improve the way students learn. It allows a closer connection between students and teachers, and it is considered a hands on activity, which allows students to feel more engaged in the topic, instead of waiting for one students to write the answer on the white board. Tate also makes a great point that although these are great for the classroom environment, it also is not the cheapest piece of equipment. One suggestion is that parents chip in and help buy them for their students. Although iPads are great investments in the long run, they, like any piece of technology for education, will have its advantages and disadvantages.
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