Point!

What am I doing?

• implementing the use of iPads with emergent primary writers (Grade 1)
• having students use various story telling and writing apps

Why am I doing it?

• to make the writing process more accessible to emergent writers
• to increase motivation and engagement

My Motivator:

In October I conducted our district wide write assessment. After an extensive pre writing process (imaging, partner talk, coaching cards – you name it) and the combined total of 40min. of independent writing time, I had 6 students hand in completely blank writing pages.  Okay fair enough, it is the beginning of Grade One after all, thats not terrible. Therefore I can let myself “accept” these submissions as the students baseline and move the learning forward. Then when curiosity (which I have been know to have and still survive) hits and I give the student an iPad, and what they submit slams on the breaks and stops me in my preconceived tracks. “Accept” is no longer and option. I am unable to “accept” work that has been submitted when my student has demonstrated that they have capacity to complete the task when given the right set of tools.

My Students writing sample before having access to the iPad.

After

I took the students image and uploaded it into the app called captions.

This sample of writing (which the STUDENT did on the iPad) clearly demonstrates they have a greater understanding of written language. A far better understanding than what was demonstrated with the good old paper and pencil approach.

Rationale Behind My Project:

The use of the iPads enhances learning and improves the CHANCES FOR STUDENT SUCCESS.

In my experience, as well as outlined in a number of readings, the assistance of technology in the area of writing has either eliminated or reduce inhibitors such as fine motor skills, and sound/ letter/ word retrieval among others. Thus making the writing process more accessible, engaging and motivating.

Who will benefit from this exploration and project? Who is the intended audience?

• my students
• my colleagues
• myself

What does my presentation need to include to benefit all of those outlined?

• an outline of how I incorporated the iPads use in my daily schedule, what struggles were encountered
• what supports I needed to be successful in their implementation
• how many iPads were used in the class
• the routines, rules and expectations around the use of the iPads that were put in place
• a list of applications that were used.
• an outline indicating the various apps enhanced/ improved the learning condition for the student and the teacher.

Teaching myself how to use the captions app

Where I am still struggling?

• compiling it all into one seamless presentation that will meet my three Es; ENGAGING, EFFECTIVE, EMPOWERING.

What has been beneficial so far?

Playing with, and learning how to navigate the various programs. Some of the products have been down right hilarious.  As a result, I have at times, become a tad too engaged and lets face it simply off task. I think Im a little bit more like my dog than Id like to admit!

Oh well, the adventure is always fun in between. Even though it sometimes takes us a tad longer to get there.

POINT!