Action Research using iPads:Findings
Cathy ClarksonKirklees College
What can a group of tutors learn from each other in making effective use of mobile technologies with their students…
• Support from & discussion with colleagues is invaluable
• Sometimes there are so many ideas it’s overwhelming and difficult to know where to start
• We need technical skills and confidence & pedagogical skills and confidence
What can a group of tutors learn from each other in making effective use of mobile technologies with their students…
• Defining the term ‘effective’ is not clear cut• The value of stepping out of our comfort
zones and taking risks to try something new• With experimentation comes confidence in
using technology to support our students• For example …..
iPad Whiteboard Apps
• Wide range of apps that have similar (but different) functionalities
• Beware - Developers can close your favourite apps down
iPad whiteboard Apps: uses
Pre-reading task using a Wordle
Ss listen and read or record themselves reading
iPad whiteboard Apps: uses
Exam prep: ss make a recording of changes to a flyer
Describe a house they have built in another app
Benefits of mobile technology
portability Ease of use
Built in functionality: camera, voice recorder, internet. For example ….
Internet: uses
Self directed vocabulary development using:• Google images, • translate and • an online
dictionary
Internet: uses
Searching Google images for houses in your home country & doing a mingling task to share with classmates.
Camera: uses
Walk around college for inspiration for a project. Take photos and return to class to discuss and plan.
Relationships between tutors
Although we never all managed to get together at the same time, discussions and collaboration happened between individuals within the group …….
Discussions between:
ESOL
Foundation learning
ESOL /Teacher education – me!!
maths
ESOL ESOL
Teacher education
Science
Another ESOL tutor started using the iPads after
discussions with the ESOL tutors involved in the project.
The science tutor joined the project
Recommendations
Give Tutors freedom to take risks
Use peer obs as a vehicle for CPD
Consider JPD as an ‘offer’ of CPD
The 2014 Professional Standards:
20. Contribute to organisational development and quality improvement
through collaboration with others