In the article "First Graders with iPads?" Sara Getting and Karin Swainey, set out to determine if using iPads would help increase reading achievement with the two lowest reading groups during the 2010–11 academic year at Hilltop Elementary School in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, USA. (Getting & Swainey, 2012) As a result of their study, they noticed, through collected data, increase in average gains and higher end of the year scores. They also collected data that showed the students were able to stay on task while reading for a longer duration at an average of a 15-20% longer (Getting & Swainey, 2012) , than when not using the iPads. They labeled this data TOT(time on task). Throughout the article they noted apps that assisted their integrating the iPad into the classroom. Each of the apps mentioned were valuable for various reasons, such as improvement in fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, literacy, ect. They did note how, even though the study did have positive outcomes there was a learning curve along the way. As they came across complications, they were quick to attribute the complications to their learning curve. They discussed these complications as their “areas of frustration”. The areas mentioned include technical problems, noisy apps, missing apps, cost, and collecting data. These complications were hardly stumbling blocks. These teachers were given hope as they observed improved reading achievement.
Question 1: Are developing young students’ technological abilities absolutely crucial?
Technology is a growing field of development. It is hard to avoid in the modern age. However, does not make it necessary to integrate at such a young age. If students are relying on technology as they grow up, there is a high probability they will become more dependent upon it in later years. The problem is, educational technology entertainment costs increase exponentially as students get older and older. Technology is user friendly enough that anyone could learn it at any age. Therefore, it is not absolutely necessary to integrate technology into lower level classrooms.
Question 2: Could iPads be used in at risk classrooms where there is a need for educational achievement?
The article discusses how students were highly respectful of the iPad as a resource. It seems as though the iPad could be a great resource to gain the attention of students who lack involvement, at any level. When students become disinterested in their studies the sacrifice of employing an iPad would warrant itself.
