Smart Phones and Tablets as Pedagogical Tools; Main Target ELD Students

Expecting students to read deeply and draw meaningful conclusions is at the heart of the Common Core English Language standards. Students are asked to read closely, cite evidence, and make evidence based inferences when they read. They are expected to expand their learning by valuing textual evidence and reading critically.  Integrating texting is one way students can express their opinion to questions from a classroom topic, and texting improves spelling and the gaining of new vocabulary.

With Smart Phones and Tablets, students have access to numerous technological applications including:

•  iPad
• Translators
•  Dictionaries
•  Manipulative; Math assignments

Innovation has been shown to improve when students use technology to obtain starting ideas for various projects because they can research and plan for a topic.

With this integration students: 

• Actively engage in online sessions, and in-class participation 
•  Participate in groups, in online activities, and in-class activities
•   Frequently interact and provide feedback

Here is an example of Smart Phones being used in a project based learning scenario. The many features of a smart phone can be used as a great learning tool.

References

“Curriculum & Instructional Technology - Why Integrate Technology”, n.d. http://www.johnston.k12.nc.us/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=123431&

“Cell Phones in Classroom PSA.m4a - YouTube”, n.d. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9i-cDzQlNn8.

“NEA - Get Smart!”, n.d. http://www.nea.org/home/41992.htm.

“Teacher Welcomes Texting in Class”, n.d. http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/region_pasco/wesley_chapel/teacher-welcomes-texting-in-class.

Paton, Graeme. “Text Messaging ‘Improves Children’s Spelling Skills’.” Telegraph.co.uk, January 20, 2011, sec. educationnews.           http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/educationnews/8272502/Text-messaging-improves-childrens-spelling-skills.html.

MobileEd - Smartphones & Education. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va1jqEupojU&feature=youtube_gdata_player