Teachers learn about clouds, iPads and apps
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[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.
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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."
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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.
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"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]
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