iPad Learning

A few weeks ago I made a PowerPoint about the use of the iPad for a class project. Late last week I went to a meeting for my county. I had the pleasure of listening to North Carolina's Teacher of the Year. She spoke about how students are learning differently these days. Students are not just learning by listening to us as teachers.

She was walking around a school, and a young child asked her to help him tie his shoe. She worked and worked with him, but he just couldn't get it. He left and she went about her way, thinking he was giving up on this chore for the time being. He came back and informed her that he just learned how to tie his shoes. She happily asked how he did that so quickly and his response took her aback. "I didn't need your words. I went on the iPad and Googled for a YouTube video on how to tie your shoes."

When she told us this, I just had to laugh. Of course it would take a child to make such a powerful gesture. Without any assistance, he was able to use the iPad to look up how to tie his shoes. He knew exactly what to do! If we do not allow students to use the technology around them for their benefit, not only are we wasting money, we are putting a ceiling on our children's education and independence.