Continuing this series here is Amy Harvey’s thoughts…
1. What place, if any, has technology got in education?
I believe that as teachers we should be flexible and malleable to trends and changes. As with years gone by lessons would be taught around Billy bringing in a swallow’s nest, So it is now that technology is a part of children’s lives. Therefore, it is an unstoppable part of education and we need to use technology to our advantage and realise how broad the term is, and so how easy it is to manipulate into our daily teaching.
2. What’s your favourite edtech tool for learning and why?
That’s a tough one. Personally I love using my ipad for many things: planning, letter writing, blogging, research, checking the NC app, everything is to hand and ready for me. In year six I loved using games to develop writing: Myst, Machinarium, Tiny. Bang Story, and of course Minecraft. As senco I felt the ipad apps that helped develop fine motor skills were excellent, the fact that phonics game,a handwriting apps etc are all so accessible for children who need it now and also need short bursts. I think this will be beneficial to me in Year 1 next year too. So I guess the answer to the question is iPads!
3. What are your thoughts on students using mobile devices in the classroom?
It is slightly different in primary as it is only really a few children who bring phones etc to school and they’re put in the desk. I think it is a question of accessibility, from the kids all having a fair chance with the device they have, to quality wifi flooded through the school so that they all work at speed. I am not against the idea per se but the thought of everything slowing down while you wait for something to load on each device is a bit painful. I think it will come as part of the technology movement in its own time and when schools are ready to handle it.
Thanks to Amy for her contribution.
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