Blog Post 2 -- Handheld Devices

Blog Post 2

Locate an article about using handheld devices such as tablets (ie. ipads,nook), cell phones, and ipods for education. Summarize 3 keypoints from the article. Next, describe how you would use these devices in the library. Don’t forget to include a reference for the article at the end of your post.

Key Points:

1.     This article relays how one pre-service teacher that was encouraged to use an ipad for a struggling reader with ADHD, observed incredible results.

2.     Research seems to indicate that behavioral treatment alone (even when compared to behavioral treatment combined with the use of medication) may be the best method for working with ADHD students.

3.     Using the various features of the ipad--such as the ability to record oneself read out loud and then play it back--allowed the student to become metacognitive of his own reading skills. He began to understand when and how he tripped up, and seek ways to improve. For instance, when he realized he had trouble with compound words, he asked to use a program on the ipad with compound words vocabulary flash cards. 

I think this article highlights a perfect opportunity for librarians to get involved in the campus's literacy plan. Recently, my principal told me he really wants the librarian to be part of the solution and intervention plan for the school's struggling readers. The librarian can help the ELA resource department, the ESL department--or any other teachers with struggling readers--come up with a lesson plan and pacing guide for these students to utilize the library's e-readers or other appropriate electronic devices. The appeal of the technology will help get "buy-in" from the students, and the extra features only capable through technology will allow teachers a wide variety of strategies and paths to take for the individual needs of each learner. The students could even have the devices checked out to them personally, so that the learning can continue at home. This would allow for parent involvement in the intervention that would not have otherwise occurred. Then both student and parent are receiving helpful exposure to technology in addition to all the reading benefits the student is receiving from the device.

Citation: 

Mcclanahan, B., Williams, K., Kennedy, E., & Tate, S. (2012). A breakthrough for josh: How use of an iPad facilitated reading improvement. TechTrends, 56(3), 20-28. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11528-012-0572-6