There's an App for That

The common theme of all of my sessions at ISTE so far: Apps and Resources. I will admit, I'm on information overload, as the audience members at this conference seem to be able to handle lighting speed changes in topic and mention of great sites to visit. I, on the other hand, listen, think, and tell myself, "I'll just go to the website and click on the links later," because I can't keep up!

I've been thinking a lot about the seeming inevitable switch to handheld devices in the classroom--The ipad revolution is certainly likely to hit SAAS sometime soon--and I am on board, but I don't want to let learning the device and its applications replace or interfere with content. I do think content matters, and not just skills developed in learning the content, so I want to find balance.

During one session, the presenter played a video in which a toddler was using an ipad based on his dad's voice prompts and he navigated that thing like a pro (certainly better than I can). I realized that I can't use my lack of experience as an excuse, so I need to find time to practice using one so that I can at least know its capabilities before assuming my students are using it as a crutch or a distraction. If I can use one as capably as can they, then I can start to make some judgments that are more informed. I think I could find use for tablets in the classroom but I also don't want to create gimmicks. I want them to offer genuine, interesting ways by which to deliver meaningful content. I do believe they can.