Collaborative Inquiry and iPad Technology with Young Learners

Access to iPads

Accessories available

Teacher expertise and comfort with applications

Access to AirServer technology for sharing on large screen

Who will be responsible for recharging/ maintenance,

Designated space for the iPads

Establishing rules and routines for use and access

Intentional pairing of students to maximize engagement

Obtain parent/ guardian consent for student use

Paired use of technology

Established culture of valuing collaboration in classroom and school

Allowing and encouraging student dialogue

Portability

Easy to clean

Developmentally appropriate with touch screen

iPads are widely considered to be user friendly

iPads may engage learners with the interactive screen

May be an effective communication tool, especially for young writers

Voice to text recording, use of stylus, finger writing and keypad

Familiarity with iPads

May use at home, in everyday life

Touchscreen technology is part of our cultural reality

Students see how technology can have real life applicability

Learners may be more willing to use iPads when they are familiar with how to use them

Reduces amount of paper and storage space for collaborative work

iPads can store large amounts of data for multiple students

Young learners can share their discoveries and understandings with peers

Connect their ideas to others' thinking

Training and support for iPad apps

Supportive administration

Willingness to support technology meditated collaborative practice

Planning resources available

Information sharing with other educators

Valuing of constructivist approach to learning

Core understanding of importance of social interaction for collaboration

Interactive learning environments are not quiet

Encouraging student talk

Creating a classroom culture of collaboration

How to measure success of colloboration

Gather evidence

Student conferencing

Share with colleagues in similar grades for feedback and discussion

Educator reflection

Student reflection