Project Info

This blog contains information about the
Primary iPad Pilot Project 
at Vancouver Talmud Torah School in Vancouver, Canada. 
VTT Teacher, Nicole Chatz, is documenting the process as part of her action research in Simon Fraser University's Learning & Teaching with Technology Diploma program.

Project Facilitators:

Nicole Chatz, Technology Resource Specialist  
Melissa Anders, Technology Resource Specialist 
Marko Milisavljevic, Information Technology Manager
Janice St. Helene, Vice Principal

Collaborating Teachers:

Tamara Collet, Kindergarten
Shannon Leonard, Kindergarten
Abbie Loomer, Kindergarten
Ellen Wiesenthal, Kindergarten
Nicole Chatz, Grade 2
Raymond Sum, Grade 2
Rhona Schneiderman, Grade 3
Lisa Weidman, Grade 3
Patricia Girling, Learning Enrichment


Focus and Rationale:

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the iPad as a learning tool, by looking at how it affects student engagement in the primary classroom.

Data will be gathered from approximately 200 Kindergarten to Grade 3 students at Vancouver Talmud Torah School, in Vancouver, Canada to assess the impact of the iPad on students' motivation to learn in the classroom.

Previous studies have shown that in order to stay relevant in the 21st Century, schools need to stay on top of rapid changes introduced by digital media. In its short existence as a learning tool, the iPad has enabled teachers to promote collaborative, independent, and differentiated learning.
“The laptop is great, but the iPad is potentially better in a lot of ways. It’s a lot better for reading. It’s a lot more interactive with the touch screen. It’s lighter. It’s smaller. It’s got a 10 hour battery life. It costs a lot less than the cheapest Mac laptop, at least. There are certain disadvantages as well, but this is the first generation.” 
~Professor Mark Warschauer, one of the world’s leading experts in technology and learning


Essential Question:

How will the use of iPad applications influence student motivation for learning in the classroom?

Sub Questions:

1. How can the iPad supplement the prescribed learning outcomes in British Columbia?
2. How can we develop a set of best practices for implementing the iPad into the classroom?
3. How can we connect with other schools who are also implementing iPad pilots?
4. Which grade level(s) will benefit most from iPad use in the classroom?
5. How can we best support teachers to develop strategies to evaluate iPad use?
6. How can we ensure fair and equal access to the iPads?
7. How can we provide in-service training in the use of iPad apps?
8. Can the iPad provide a platform for students to share authentic learning and create content for one another, or will it serve merely as a consumption device?
9. Can the iPad help expand students' knowledge about how they can use technology to enhance learning?
10. Will the iPad effectively support differentiation in the classroom?
11. Which apps do students like best?
12. How will we know that the iPad is what engages the students, and not some other factor?
13. Will the iPad replace the need for traditional laptop and desktop computers for primary students?


Activities:

Kindergarten and grade one students will be introduced to the iPads through the use of applications in art, literacy and math centres.  This will enable us to establish routines for using and managing the iPads, develop comfort with mobile devices, listen to audio stories, as well as build fine motor skills, phonemic awareness, sight word recognition, and number sense.


In addition to math and literacy centres, Grade 2 and 3 students will develop their visual presentation skills via productivity and photo manipulation applications, such as Keynote and Strip Designer.  Upper primary students will also use the iPads to research science and social studies topics, read electronic books, and compose creative stories and postcards.



Timeline:

January
  • Begin iPad blog
  • Design Field Study Proposal
  • Design iPad Acceptable Use Policy
  • Present proposal to VTT Board of Directors to secure funding for iPads
  • Purchase iPads and cases

February
  • Charge iPads, update software, and purchase apps
  • Determine management system for iPads
  • Invite teachers to participate in pilot program
  • Plan initial content area integration
  • Introduce iPads to pilot classes
  • Conduct initial teacher and student tech interviews / questionnaires
  • Continue iPad blog

March
  • Continue to support teachers with implementation
  • Publish student-created multimedia projects on iPad blog
  • Publish collaborating teacher posts on iPod blog

April
  • End of pilot teacher and student reflections and tech surveys
  • End of pilot data analysis
  • Culminating posts for iPad blog
  • Present findings to VTT Board of Directors
May-June
  • Reflection and planning for 2011-2012 school year


Connection to Educational Research:


Connection to School-Wide Technology Goals:

The implementation of iPads addresses many of VTT's technology goals, as indicated below:

TA 1 Computing Literacy
TA 2 Presentation Skills
TA3 Accessing and Validating Information
TA4 How to Use New Technology
TA5 Producing Original Work
TA6 Care and Respect of Property
TA7 Personal Safety
TA8 Using Appropriate Frequency and Tone
TA 9 Planning and Organizing Work


TG 1 Tailoring information to suit learning style
TG2 Professional Development
TG3 Critical Thinking
TG4 Effective Communication
TG5 Innovation
TG6 Integration to the Overall Curriculum
TG7 Processing Information More Effectively
TG8 Face Your Fear
TG9 Safety & Responsibility
TG10 Balance & Self-Regulation
TG11 Prioritization vs. Urgency
TG 12 Green

Sharing Learning:

1. With VTT Tech Cohort, via weekly meetings
2. With VTT Board of Directors, via presentation at Board Meeting
3. With VTT staff at Professional Development Workshop
4. With SFU colleagues at Mentor Meetings and Portfolio Presentation
5. With community at large, via this blog