The iPad is the latest craze in technology on the go. Apple has taken the iTouch and made it bigger and better. With the large screen and boatload of features it is not lacking on anything other than maybe a still and video camera and cell phone that would make it a truly all in one personal tech device. Who knows that may be coming next because a "take a photo" option is given on the iPad however that feature is not avaliable at this time. It has the ability to replace many devices that are carried by society today like MP3 players, PDAs, and e-readers. It also has an impressive video player and photo display that makes carrying paper photos obsolete.
Some may argue that the iPad is a 21st century briefcase. (Waller, n.d.)Everything that a user could need can be stored in the iPad from presentations, to contact lists, and contract information and can be printed using the AirPrint feature. No more carrying around pages and pages of inforamtion to weigh the user down or to loose.
As for a device that may take the iPads place I have not the slightest idea. I think that Apple will continue to upgrade and make the iPad better and better with newer versions. There are going to be other companies that will try their hand on their own version of the iPad. However just like the iPod, I believe that Apple will continue to be on the cutting edge of personal technology and other companies will race to keep up with thier new innovations.
Resources:
Thornburg, D. D. (2008b). Emerging technologies and McLuhan's Laws of Media. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
Waller, J. (n.d.). A history of the briefcase. Ezine Articles, Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?A-History-of-the-Briefcase&id=3420788
One of my favorite tech devices I use is the PRS, otherwise known as “clickers.” Clickers are personal response devices that students use to enter responses to assignments. These assignments can be as a whole group with the problems displayed on the projector. After each student has responded a graph displaying the number of responses for each choice will appear and then the next question can be shown. A self paced function is also available. The teacher can distribute paper copies of the assignment and instead of marking the answers on the paper they enter them on the clickers. The results for individual students are recorded in the previously determined RF Class. These scores can be viewed later to guide future lessons.
The clickers and the PRS system itself is a wonderful way to do rapid assessments. It is quick and easy to see what has been mastered and what students are still struggling with. However as with most new technology, clickers are not without their problems. When using the clickers students can accidently enter the incorrect answer into their clicker. IF the student is observant, he can change his response before the time is up on that question if the assignment is being completed as a whole group. But as most elementary teachers know once a student answers the question they do not look back at the display. The same goes for the self paced assignment. Penn State University had to discontinue the use of PRS devices due to their “unpredictability” until they are able to test new clickers. (Technology, 2010) Since these devices are run on batteries the lack of replacement batteries can cause issues with students not being able to complete assignments.
PRS devices have many benefits that can be attributed to them. One major benefit to teachers is that it is a quick and easy way to conduct rapid assessments of learning that provides a graphical representation of responses. Rapid assessments can be created to be given at the completion of predetermined lessons to aid in guiding the teacher with the next lessons. These lessons that are created to use with PRS clickers can also be saved to use in the future. Another benefit of PRS is that it helps facilitate active student engagement. Students must stay attune to the lesson to be able to respond appropriately in the given amount of time. (Trepka, n.d.) PRS devices by Interwrite are compatible with many other technologies such as Power Point, Word, Smart Boards, and projector systems to facilitate learning. Finally the PRS devices allow students to view how they are learning compared to others in the class with the graphical representation of responses after each question. In my experiences, friendly competition is a great motivator for learning.
The pitfalls that I have seen in the PRS devices can be overcome by preparation and practice. Batteries need to be kept on hand to replace dead one so that all clickers are functional at all times. As for students entering incorrect responses, the teacher would need to provide practice with the clickers to instruct the students on how to use the clickers and how to double check their answers. I believe that students should not be “graded” with the clickers until they are proficient in using them. Over all I believe that clickers are an asset to every classroom if for no other reason to streamline the work load for teachers and reduce the amount of paper used in the classroom. (Due to budget cuts paper at my school is like gold.)
Resources:
Goodwin, J. (2009, March 12). Interwrite prs (clickers): quick start guide. Retrieved from http://spart7.info/7wiki/index.php?title=InterWrite_PRS_(Clickers):_Quick_Start_Guide
Technology classroom "clickers". (2010). Retrieved from http://clc.its.psu.edu/Classrooms/resources/clickers
Trepka, J. (n.d.). What are the benefits of the use of clickers in an aas. Retrieved from http://www.kirkwood.edu/pdf/uploaded/7/jim_trepka_castle_case_study.pdf
Link to PRS Clickers http://clickers.wiki.uml.edu/PRS+FAQ%27s
