In this session, we had the opportunity to look at and try
out some different apps on the iPads which was very useful and gave me some
brilliant ideas for my own teaching practice (providing we have the right
resources!). From looking at the range of these apps, the app which I liked
most was ‘Book Creator’, however, having said that I really liked the Big Cat
phonics books and could see their potential. In my opinion, I feel that the ‘Book
Creator’ is the better app to use within the classroom when compared to the
phonics books. This is because I feel that the phonics books, although has the
potential to be used within the classroom, was more of a resource for the child
to be working on independently whereas the ‘book creator’ app could be used in
a variety of ways and across the key stages.
The ‘Book Creator’ app includes many features within the
programme which could be used in a variety of different ways to engage all the
children within the class. For example for reluctant writers/children who
struggle when writing are able to record themselves, accessing their own
learning and creating their own multimodal texts. Using this app in the
classroom links to the idea of children to creating their own multimodal texts
corresponding with the new national curriculum (2013). This then relates to the
idea that children need to be exposed to variety of different texts, media and
stimuli in order to progress with society and teach children how to read a variety
of materials, from traditional written texts to web pages to interactive talking
books. Dean (2010) furthers this by conveying the importance of children’s
literacy skills being developed by a variety of different ‘texts’ in order for
them to make progress within society. In addition to this it can be argued that
through the use of a variety of different text types, some which are more
familiar and relatable to the children (such as apps on iPads, multimodal texts
etc.) children’s learning becomes more memorable, engaging more in their own
learning and education.
In conclusion, I feel that children need to be exposed to
these types of technologies within the classroom in order for them to remain
fully functioning, active members of society, which is supported by Palfrey and
Gasser (2008) who claim that children in today’s society are ‘digital natives’
and need opportunities to develop their skills in these technologies to
progress with society. Additionally, I feel that I will definitely use this app
when teaching.
-
Dean, G. (2010) ‘Rethinking Literacy’ in
Bazalgette, C. (ed) (2010) Teaching Media
in Primary Classrooms. London: Sage
-
Palfrey,
J. and Gasser, U. (2008) Born Digital:
understanding the first generation of digital natives. Basics Books. New
York
I, too, commented on the fact that 'Book Creator' can support those children who struggle with writing but excel at speaking. They can still express their ideas in an exciting way. Although their writing will need to flourish in time, speaking allows all of the ideas to be expressed. Moreover, children will be able to investigate using the Ipad, making them active digital citizens.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that Book Creator is a great app by allowing children to apply all types of media to the same page. However I do fear we are forgetting some schools will not be so resourceful with technology such as ipads, which obviously puts up a huge barrier. Linking to my own practice, all three of my past placement schools were yet to purchase ipad's/ hand held digital devices. This raise's my questions about the future of schools, Will schools who provide such technology be seen as better schools? Will we see a huge divide between the provision of digital resources between schools? I'm sure our future practice will allow us to see some changes as the years go by.
ReplyDeleteBook creator is a fantastic app and it is so flexible as it can be used across the curriculum. The app provides such fantastic opportunities for learning and the possibilities are endless. If I have enough iPads in my future classroom then I will definitely use book creator in many of my lessons. It provides children with the independence of learning the app and pursuing their own ideas. It also provides the responsibility of creating a page or book to be shown to other children.
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