INTEGATING TABLET COMPUTERS INTO EDUCATION

1. INTEGATING TABLET COMPUTERS INTO EDUCATION EMERGENING TECHNOLOGIES PROJECT

2. INTRODUCTION • A tablet computer, or more simply put a tablet, is a portable computer with a touchscreen. A tablet computer is primarily used by touching the screen opposed to using a physical keyboard or mouse.

3. INTRODUCTION • Tablets come in a variety of brands and operating systems. • The most common are: • Amazon’s Kindle Fire Tablet • Apple’s Ipad Tablet • Samsung’s Galaxy Tablet

4. Kindle Fire Specifications

5. Ipad Specifications

6. Galaxy Specifications

7. TABLETS & THE FCSD VISION • The Forsyth County School District is dedicated to improving student achievement through technology-enriched learning opportunities. The district technology vision is to use classroom technology to engage students in asking questions and choosing tools to facilitate real world problem solving. • The school districts vision for technology would be supported by the implementation of tablet computers because the tablet would be an avenue for providing students with mobile technology-enriched learning opportunities.

8. GRADE/AGE • Based on a report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, tablet computers are appropriate and proven effective for children over 2 years of age.

9. ENSURING EQUITABLE ACCESS • A mobile cart will be provided for each department within the school • Department Head will manage check out within each department. • Additionally, our Title 1 Targeted Assistance Funds are currently supplying net books to all Title 1 students.

10. EQUIPMENT/SOFTWARE FOR IMPLEMENTATION • To implement tablet computers, the school and/or district would first need to purchase the tablet computers. In addition, the district would need to purchase a storage solution such as a mobile cart. Lastly, the school and/or district may need to purchase educational applications. • Optional: Textbooks could be purchased electronically. • The school and/or district would not need to purchase additional resources because the district already provides a wireless network on all school campuses, wireless printers and 1 scanner per classroom. In addition, the tablet computers come equipped with a variety of built in tools such as a microphone and cameras.

11. TECHNICAL SUPPORT NEEDS • Staff could get technical support via the FCSD technical support site, Unity, and via the ITS for Kindle Fire and Galaxy Tablets. • The Forsyth County School District does not support and will not support Apple products. • In addition, staff could get support under the limited warranties and from the following locations: • Apple Care for the Ipad. • Troubleshooting and Support for Kindle Fire • Samsung Service Center Support for Galaxy

12. LIMITATIONS Technical Limitations Online Safety In an effort to educate minors about appropriate online behavior, including cyber bullying awareness and response, as well as interacting with other individuals on the web, teachers would need to review with students following web sites for information: Netsmartz.org (Internet Safety Information) Hazelden.org (What is Cyber Bullying?) NCPC.org (Cyber bullying) Cyberbully.org (Safe Internet Use) • Lack of USB Port (except for Kindle Fire) • Keyboard issues (i.e., size, difficulty) • Brand Specific Limitation: • Apple is unable to use any programs/apps/multimedia that involves Flash • Kindle Fire Video player is solely for Amazon purchased or streamed content

13. PROJECTED COST Kindle Fire Samsung Galaxy Apple Ipad 2 • Starting at $199.00 per device. • Education discounts available for purchases of 25+ Kindles • Storage Cart for up to 32 devices starting at $1445.00 • Starting at $499.00 per device • Storage Cart for up to 32 devices starting at $1445.00 • Starting at $399.00 per device or iPad’s & Learning Lab Solutions Cart with Apple Care Support for each Ipad for 7,859.00 • Education discounts available through the Volume Purchase Program. • Apple’s Professional Development varies depending on frequency & number in attendance.

14. POSSIBLE SOURCES OF FUNDING • Potential Funding for the implementation of tablet computers could partially come from the current technology budget however additional funding will also be needed. This funding could be obtained by applying for the following grants: • Investing in Education Fund (I3) • Apple Specific Grants

15. SPECIFIC LEARNING GOAL USES • Students and teachers are able to write, draw, and sketch with freedom directly into a tablet which allows them to: • Tap directly into their creative brainstorming thought-processes • Simulate, correct, and perform sophisticated editing commands with the ease of a pen or finger stroke • Apple Inc. worked with teachers and leaders in the education community to develop a new approach to teaching and learning called Challenge Based Learning. This appears to be the same idea as authentic learning where students are engaging through amultidisciplinaryapproach that starts with standards based content and lets students leverage the technology they use in their daily lives to solve complex, real-world problems. • Ideas for Challenge Based Learning with Ipads

16. USES FOR DIFFERENTIATION • Tablets come with built in assistive technology as standard features for students with: • Blind and Low Vision • Difficulty Hearing • Physical and Motor Limitations • Low Literacy Skills

17. COMMUNICATION USES • Tablet computers allow students to share their creations with others in real time, using a variety of applications. • Tablet computers and special applications are making breakthroughs in communication for Autistic people/students. • 60 Minute Special

18. EFFECTIVENESS • Tablet computer have been proven effective as a teaching and learning tool. • A study by the University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA shows “that Tablet PC use by the instructor as described in the paper leads to savings in class time that can be devoted to additional problem solving and testing opportunities for students. It also shows that such Tablet PC use resulted in significant improvement in the performance (measured by the overall numeric course score) of above average students.” • In Tablet PCs in K–12 Education, Mike van Mantgem describes the capabilities of tablet computers. He states , “tablet’s place these technologies into the hands of students, creating a more effective active learning environment. If the traditional computer allows for a functional understanding of instructional material to students, then it follows that the natural feel of a pen-input interface can actually encourage creativity. The tablet PC thus allows students to work seamlessly between two different types of pedagogical visualizations. • In Tablet PC’s in Schools, ICT Research reports that students “find Tablet PCs easy to use and are motivated to work using them.

19. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN • For the implementation of this technology, must be present to prevent failure of the technology plan • Appropriate Leadership/ • Professional Development • Accountability and Motivation • To ensure a smooth, organized implementation I suggest using a 4 step Action Plan • Step 1: Apply for Grants • Step 2: Acquire Technology in Stages By Dept and/or School • Step 3: Provide Initial Professional Development Session and Show Example Lessons for Motivation • Step 4: Receive Feedback and Provide Follow-up Professional Development

20. CONCLUSION • Tablet computers would be an amazing asset and tool in achieving our mission to provide educational opportunities that enable individuals to be thinking, productive, and responsible citizens in a changing society. • Preferred Tablet: Apple’s Ipad