As ninth-grade English teacher Liz Pagano dives into using iPads in her class, she's finding ways to use the device for more than just an e-reader. Her students are using critical thinking skills to find and use the most relevant information. I asked her a few follow-up questions about the class's experience.
- How do you think the devices are affecting the way your students understand the content?
We're using them as more than just e-readers. Students are finding their own articles from our online databases and creating presentations using Keynote. The lesson requires that they practice the very important skills of note-taking, summarizing and responding.
- Do you notice a difference in the level of engagement with your students with the readers as compared with print books?
Because the students get to select their own areas of focus, they are much more interested. I definitely see a higher level of engagement. First of all, these devises are personal, so students are able to tailor the information they need quite specifically. This goes beyond personal vocabulary lists (which in itself is fantastic).