Teacher Training Before iPad Deployment

Jan Fletcher, of thejournal.com, has written an article discussing the benefits of providing teacher training before iPads are deployed in the classrooms for use by the students. Although particularly helpful for ELL (English language learner) teachers, the introduction of the iPad has allowed educators to connect with their students on a common level through the use of technology. The focus of the article was on the importance of providing professional development for teachers to learn the basic functions of the iPad, specific apps relevant to curriculum content areas, and how to effectively implement the device in the classroom. However, administrators need to identify the specific goals for deploying iPads in each school in order to ensure the initiative is successful.

For example, Heather Parris-Fitzpatrick, program coordinator for Technology Resource Solutions for the Board of Cooperative Educational Services in NY, believes that administrators should develop a plan that is carried out during the iPad training sessions for teachers. According to Parris-Fitzpatrick, teachers should be informed whether the iPads will be used for intervention or enrichment activities, to support special needs students or for digital literacy purposes. Also, coordinating regular meetings with the teachers and offering tech support is crucial. This will provide the opportunity for educators to collaborate, and share strategies, ideas and best practices with one another.

This article stressed the importance of providing teachers with ample time to practice using the iPad, research apps and determine how they can best utilize this device in their own classroom. But what if there was a better way? Teacher training prior to deployment allows the teacher to become comfortable using the device, which naturally decreases the enthusiasm they will project when introducing the iPad activities to the students. In my experience, learning alongside your students can have a much bigger impact on them than one might think.

For instance, whenever I receive a new piece of equipment, my students are right there beside me helping me open the boxes. The day we received our set of iPad 2 devices last year was probably the most memorable day of the year for our class. The anticipation, excitement and eagerness to try out the iPads was something that we all shared as a group. The students were engaged, motivated and anxious to learn. Together we explored apps, and collaborated on project ideas that we could implement using the iPad. We learned together, which was an experience that assisted in solidifying the class as a unit. For weeks afterwards, my students would come to class each day excited about learning and anxious to share with me and each other the new app they discovered, or an innovative way we could use the iPad during one of our productions. As an educator, I find it rewarding when my students are able to teach me, as opposed to me teaching them at all times.

Education has evolved from the "I'm the teacher, you're the student" model that we all experienced as children. We need to allow our students to learn independently, to research, think critically and problem solve on their own. When given the opportunity, they just might surprise you. My students certainly do.

Read the full article: Teacher Training Should Start Before iPad Deployment