Marc Prensky on Handheld learning in the classroom
Last week a class of P6 children came to the university to take part in a treasure hunt using QR codes and handheld devices such as iPods and iPads. It was amazing to find out how many of the children owned or had access to handheld devices such as iphones, ipods and ipads. Pinder (2008) suggests that we as educators have to "recognise the technology already embedded within the lives of many learners, especially young people" and use this to create meaningful learning experiences.
Before the children arrived we had planned out a treasure hunt using QR codes which were going to be hidden around the University campus. The children would have to scan the codes using the iPod touches to find out the activity they would have to carry out and their next destination. The children would have to use different applications on the devices such as video recorder, camera and games to complete the activities. Once back at the computer suites they used 'iBookcreator' a program that helps you to create an on-line book using video, text and picture.
Evaluation
The children seemed to enjoy having to search for the QR codes and carry out the activities. The children had to work in teams of three which posed a few issues. Firstly there were an odd number of girls and boys which meant that one girl had to go with two boys which at the beginning did not seem to much of an issue. However as the activity progressed some children were not sharing the devices and not listening to others opinions in the group.
Once back at the IT suite the children were shown how to use 'ibookcreator' and then left with our help if needed to work together to create their book. I feel this activity related to the principle of personalisation and choice within the Curriculum for Excellence. The children were able to choose for themselves how they were going to display their text, videos and pictures. In addition there was evidence of co-operative learning as the children were working together, sharing ideas and supporting each other. Although there were some disagreements on the whole the children worked well together.
At the end we did an on-line feedback activity using everywhere poll. This allowed the children to anonymously write what they liked or disliked about the afternoon. The responses were in the main extremely positive and that the children would love to use iPod touches for educational purposes in the classroom.
This experience allowed me to see the different ways handheld learning can be used in the classroom and also what an effective learning tool it can be. Although there are perhaps a few things I would change about this afternoon I would definitely use this activity as a basis in future placement and my career.
References
Pinder, A.(2008) Andrew Pinder on Handheld Learning
Available:
Scottish Government. (2009) Curriculum for Excellence. Principles for curriculum design. Available:
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/understandingthecurriculum/howisthecurriculumstructured/principles/index.asp
No comments:
Post a Comment