Article 1-Professional Practice: Vid 8&sid @sessionmgr198&hid 127
Article 1-Professional Practice: Vid 8&sid @sessionmgr198&hid 127
Moller, K. J., & Ferguson, L. (2015, March 1). Apps in Literature-based Classroom
Instruction: Integrating Reading and Response through Traditional and Digital Media.
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vid=8&sid=61b96ab0-b431-4437-a4f0-a9372771735a@sessionmgr198&hid=127
Summary:
In Apps in Literature-based Classroom Instruction, a teacher, Lisa, demonstrates using
technology-based instruction in her elementary classroom. She describes three different
online apps to enhance literacy skills in the early grades. The author lists out the
different engaging aspects of each application and provides inspiring activities that can
be recreated in any classroom. She also makes sure to note that each application is
accessible from school and home, making the point that families can be involved in the
students learning environment when technology is used. The goal of the article is, not
only to point out that technology can be used in the early grades, but also that it should
be accessible to students in low socio-economic schools. Although getting the correct
resources isnt without its challenges, these technological changes in low-income areas
will have a huge impact on student learning. This is a technology goal that school
districts should be working toward.
Critique:
The article is very beneficial for elementary teachers. All of the applications listed are
geared toward students learning early literacy. The applications can be used in
classrooms 1-5. However, I did notice that there wasnt much mention of the amount of
technology she has available in the classroom. At the end of the article, the author states
that Lisa has been writing grants to get more technology but I wonder if she has 1:1
devices. That type of hands-on would be so beneficial, but it isnt reality for most
schools. I work in a school similar to the one described in the article as far as student
population. However, with my 4 classroom computers, this extent of technology use
presented in the article cant happen. I do look forward to using the apps in my
classroom because I think it can benefit the students, but it will take some work to get all
of my students effectively using these applications.
research questions, gathered data from four different classrooms, and analyzed the data.
After studying test scores from these students, they were able to determine that portable
devices helped to raise test scores. However, this was not the only finding. The
researchers also found that using portable devices helped the students communicate
more effectively, work collaboratively in groups, and continue their learning at home.
Providing students with this technology engaged them and helped solidify the
information needed for testing. The portable technology also helped parents become
more involved in the students learning. Parents seemed more eager to help students
with homework when it was completed on a device. There are many benefits to having a
teacher willing to use this technology and a school system that supports that usage.
Critique:
I found this article to be very well organized and easy to understand. All parts of the
article were labeled with headings and the information was summarized using tables and
graphs. I found it very interesting that the author referenced Paperts work, as I read his
book last semester. This study seemed to solidify that information for me. This article
would be very useful for all teachers. Especially teachers that are trying to encourage
more technology within the school. I enjoy reading about success with technology in the
classroom, as I have seen it first hand. Students seem to be more engaged and more
willing to pay attention if presented through technology. We, as educators, have to keep
up with the times and provide new and meaningful learning experiences for students. I
look forward to using this research article to help persuade administration to purchase
more portable devices for the school.
Critique:
I absolutely loved reading this article. For about 2 years now, Ive wanted to implement
online learning in my elementary classroom. However, it seemed unmanageable with the
younger grades. I found this article to be very helpful in establishing clear steps to make
this happen. It also solidified that the extra work on my part would be worth it for the
students in the long run. I think this article would be beneficial to any teacher that is
interested in helping students learn online. This article very clearly laid out the
information and used tables and graphs to summarize. The only change I would make is
to have the teachers (next time) use the same set up for the online learning. I would like
to know which set up works best. I cant wait to set up a web 2.0 tool for my students
and get them synthesizing their learning online!