iPads supplement twenty-first century learning
Schools are integrating iPads into the curriculum to help teach subjects from elementary level math to high school level biology. Molly Geisinger ’15
This is the first installment in a series of articles about the use of iPads in education.
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While most 1990s children grew up with Tamagotchis and GameBoys, children of the twenty-first century are growing up with iPads and other Apple products.
As of June 2013, Convent of the Sacred Heart and schools across the nation have made strides towards integrating iPads into their curriculum.
“A growing number of school districts across America are trying to weave tablet computers, like the iPad, into the classroom fabric,” according to npr.org.
Molly Geisinger ’15
For younger elementary school students, iPads will facilitate the learning of core subjects such as math and reading. For students in high school, the technology will help teach more conceptual subjects.
Additionally, students will use iPads to view scientific three-dimensional models, offering a more visual understanding of topics such as the solar system and biological processes.
Sacred Heart first introduced iPads to the Lower School three years ago, with the sponsorship of the Parents’ Association.
Supplied with 22 iPads, students participate in interactive lessons using popular scholastic applications.
In addition to students, some faculty members have tested out the use of Kindle books, via the Kindle app, on the iPad.
“Kindle books… have been shown to increase students’ critical thinking and motivation, as well as enhancing their metacognition,” according to cshgreenwich.org.
In Sacred Heart’s preschool and prekindergarten classes, children begin using applications which help them learn the alphabet and increase their vocabulary and reading skills.
– Molly Geisinger, News Editor
