The results of two lessons with classes using the iPads for the first time
Using the Camera and Safari apps with a Year 9 mixed ability class:
Christine used the Camera and Safari apps with her Year 9 class. In the previous lesson, they had been taken to the computer room, in order to access the website www.9sherwin.weebly.com which instructed them to find out about MRSA and write a TV or radio script which answered a set of questions, given on the site. They worked in groups of up to 4 students to compile their scripts. Some finished them off at home, where they could still access the website. In this lesson, the students accessed the website again, using Safari, to gather any further information. They then edited their scripts and recorded them using the video option on the Camera. At the end of the lesson, some of the videos were shown and feedback was given to the groups by both the teacher and students. The students then completed the questionnaire, the results of which are shown below:
The students enjoyed using the iPads a lot. All students thought that they learned from the app, and most thought that they learned more than in a normal lesson, although some students thought otherwise. All but one student said that the app was easy or very easy to use. In addition, the students made the following comments:
From the teacher's perspective, after an initial 'play' (students taking pictures of themselves and opening random apps, such as the dictionary), the students soon got down to recording their scripts. They were able to have several 'takes' and delete any they were not happy with. Some decided to record in short segments so produced a few clips. This was useful because if they made a mistake, they only had to re-record a short section. Being able to access the website from anywhere in the classroom was useful. Some wrote their script on their iPad using the Notes app, and some read short sections from various websites, whilst adding their own opinions too.
The problems the teacher encountered were that recording 5 or 6 videos in the same lab was a little difficult, as it was a loud environment. Some students wanted to take their iPad outside (which, for a first use the teacher thought perhaps not) to overcome this, which was a reasonable request. One group went out with the TA and produced a very clear video with good sound quality. When playing the video back to the class, it is essential that the iPads are plugged into some speakers as they were only 'just' loud enough to hear. The class were absolutely silent during play back so they could hear, which the teacher thought showed good respect. The iPads all came back in one piece. Some thoughtful students had closed any apps they had used and deleted anything not needed, though not all had done this. It is recommended that the teacher leave time to do this at the end as it will preserve the battery and not clog up the Camera Roll.
It should be noted that this lesson was held on a Friday, lesson 5 (1.45pm - 2.45pm) of the penultimate week before Easter and the teacher was impressed that the students behaved so well.
The problems the teacher encountered were that recording 5 or 6 videos in the same lab was a little difficult, as it was a loud environment. Some students wanted to take their iPad outside (which, for a first use the teacher thought perhaps not) to overcome this, which was a reasonable request. One group went out with the TA and produced a very clear video with good sound quality. When playing the video back to the class, it is essential that the iPads are plugged into some speakers as they were only 'just' loud enough to hear. The class were absolutely silent during play back so they could hear, which the teacher thought showed good respect. The iPads all came back in one piece. Some thoughtful students had closed any apps they had used and deleted anything not needed, though not all had done this. It is recommended that the teacher leave time to do this at the end as it will preserve the battery and not clog up the Camera Roll.
It should be noted that this lesson was held on a Friday, lesson 5 (1.45pm - 2.45pm) of the penultimate week before Easter and the teacher was impressed that the students behaved so well.
Using the Infection Bio War free app with a Year 8 mixed ability class:
Ian used the Infection Bio War app to teach his class about how diseases can spread (epidemics, pandemics and vectors). The students were allowed to use the app for 20-30 minutes and then had to complete a worksheet which asked them scientific questions about microbes. Again, at the end of the lesson, all 30 students completed the short questionnaire. Here are the results:
The students enjoyed using the iPads a lot. All students thought that they learned from the app, and most thought that they learned more than in a normal lesson, although some students thought otherwise. All students said that the app was easy or very easy to use. In addition, the students made the following comments:
The comment "The interactive learning helped me visualise the disease spreading" was an indicator that even though marketed as a game, this app was educational and a good choice for this mixed ability group.
Data collection continues for the next few weeks. Any comments are most welcome!
Data collection continues for the next few weeks. Any comments are most welcome!