The iPod Touch study is moving forward. Students completed online surveys about their personal use of technology and a timed pretest to determine their current knowledge of multiplication facts.
For the study students will be introduced to five apps that focus on multiplication facts. After all five have been introduced, students will be allowed to choose the app they want to use during class. Students will use an app for ten minutes, which is the same length of time students who are not using the iTouches work on their multiplication facts in class.
The two classes that are using the iPod Touches in our study were introduced to the Touches today. I reviewed "responsible use" of the Touches and then showed students the Pop Math app. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it is important to emphasize the goal of the app and the goal in Pop Math is to earn points by popping the factors and correct product; not just moving to the next level since that can be done by just guessing. Students spent ten minutes using the app and there was no question about student engagement. I also noticed that students self-selected "tables" of numbers that they did not know well.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Finally . . . Cases for the iTouches
The cases we purchased at the beginning of the year did not fit the 4th generation iPod Touches; they were loose and did not have an opening for the camera.
The cases we purchased at the beginning of the year did not fit the 4th generation iPod Touches; they were loose and did not have an opening for the camera.
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| Cases from HandHeldItems |
So, we shopped at http://www.handhelditems.com/ where they offer a wide range of cases for mobile devices. We purchased five different colors with prices ranging from $3.99 to $6.99 http://www.handhelditems.com/ipod-touch-case-with-inner-circle-design-clear-purple-circle-p-148672.html. The cases fit snug and appear to be durable. With the exception of the solid black, the cases are transparent so that the labels with the ipod number and name can be read through the case.
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| Tackle Boxes Used to Organize Earbuds |
To contend with the tangle of earbuds and earbuds with microphones I purchased a few tackle boxes for about $4 a piece.
Friday, January 7, 2011
iPad for Speech and Language
This week we received an iPad to be used by the three Speech and Language teachers in my school. Our goal is to see if it actually impacts student learning.
One of the S/L teachers and I met to discuss applications. Our starting point was a list of applications that she has compiled from her reading. We downloaded the free and relatively inexpensive applications to start. The applications and the iPad screens are organized as follows:
Communication:
Tip: Since my MacBook is used for the iTouches, I simply created a different user login for the iPad to keep iTunes applications separate. To create a new user on the Mac, login to an account that has administrator rights, click the Apple icon on the top menu bar, select System Preferences, accounts, click the lock to make changes, + for new account. Works slick.
One of the S/L teachers and I met to discuss applications. Our starting point was a list of applications that she has compiled from her reading. We downloaded the free and relatively inexpensive applications to start. The applications and the iPad screens are organized as follows:
Communication:
- Tap to Talk (free)
- Locabulary Lite (free)
- Cookie Doodle
- 123 Sticker HD
- Metronome
- Talking Tom Cat
- iTouch iLearn Words for Preschool
- Grammar Fun (free)
- ABA Language Cards
- ipractice verbs
- Question Builder
- I Hear Ewe (free)
- Story Cubes
- Cupcakes XL
- iTalk (free)
- Model Me Going Places (free)
- Story Kit (free)
- Toy Story Read Along (free)
- The Cat in the Hat
- Monkey Business
- Itsy Bitsy Spider
- Old McDonald
- Wheels on the Bus
- 5 Little Monkeys
- Clicky Sticky
Tip: Since my MacBook is used for the iTouches, I simply created a different user login for the iPad to keep iTunes applications separate. To create a new user on the Mac, login to an account that has administrator rights, click the Apple icon on the top menu bar, select System Preferences, accounts, click the lock to make changes, + for new account. Works slick.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
iTouch Research
Do mobile devices really impact student learning? This year our school will be exploring the answer to this question through a research project that looks at the impact iTouch technology has on student math performance; specifically learning multiplication facts. The study will take place during third quarter with two classes using the iTouches and two other classes using traditional methods for learning facts. Students will be using six iTouch applications that include Math Magic, Multiplication Genius, Flash to Pass Free, Pop Math, and Mad Math. I am still looking for the sixth application, possible one that focuses on estimation or multiplying money. Dr. Derick Kiger and Dr. Dani Herro will be overseeing the research.
Today Dr. Herro met with the third grade staff to acquire background information for the study. I continue to be impressed by her ability to extract and clearly summarize math instruction practices from four different teachers and feel privileged to be involved in this study.
Today Dr. Herro met with the third grade staff to acquire background information for the study. I continue to be impressed by her ability to extract and clearly summarize math instruction practices from four different teachers and feel privileged to be involved in this study.
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