Teachers learn about clouds, iPads and apps

[October 03, 2011]  Electronic technology has progressed quickly, and teachers barely have time to learn features before using new equipment in the classroom. The world of computers has evolved to include devices called iPads and iPods, and you can find new material on "apps," meaning applications. To share information and save material, you can send it to a "cloud" or a "drop box." While some of this is not brand-new, extended possibilities and ongoing upgrades make change a constant. That is why local teachers recently attended a technology workshop -- to get it straight and learn about new features.

The computer lab at West Lincoln-Broadwell has 30 iPads that are stored in vertical slots in a rolling cabinet. The iPads are wireless, connected to a teacher's laptop. The lab also has seating for 32 individuals. Due to the number of teachers who planned to attend, the workshop was scheduled at WLB to take advantage of the space and iPad availability. Teachers from WLB, Chester-East Lincoln and District 27 attended.

"We received six iPads last spring from the Elks Foundation, due to the special education population at the school," explained WLB Superintendent and Principal Bailey Climer.

"Then we were able to obtain 30 in the cabinet with a $20,000 grant from the Woods Foundation."

Climer demonstrated an iPad application to this reporter, displaying options to teach young children about letters, words and sounds that lead to reading skills. Other features focused on numbers and counting, colors, and other basics for learning needs. The screens are touch-sensitive.

Instructors for the workshop were Nora Bardi, assistive technology coordinator for Unit 5 schools in Normal; Dawn Ritter, speech and language pathologist and assistive technology coordinator at Tri-Valley; and Donna Morris, assistant director of the Tri-County Special Education Association.

The school districts or organizations the instructors represented belong to the Heart of Illinois Low Incidence Association, a group that co-ops to pool services. The individuals are on the association's professional development committee.

"We are available to share information with teachers in order to increase their understanding," Bardi said. "Districts don't have resources to send teachers out of district for training. We can personalize workshops for groups and focus on their specific interests.

"In this kind of setting, teachers have a chance to share information, ask questions and use the iPads," Bardi said. "Our committee focuses on providing professional development the teachers need to do their job. Having a school like this with space and technology to share is a big asset in an area where teachers want to come together."

The teachers learned about mobile devices, installing, researching and integrating apps into school curriculum. Discussion also included nontraditional and paperless sharing and storing methods.

[By MARLA BLAIR]