What are the main challenges of having class pupils

using a tablet in class and at home ?

Connie, Lara and Marica

Main Challenges

• teachers’ ICT skills

• integrating tablets in pedagogy

• distraction

• security

• technical issues in class, breakages & disappearance

Teachers’ ICT skills“Resistance can be a result of a lack of a confidence or fear of using ICT for learning. Teachers often worry that their knowledge level does not match those of their ‘digitally native’ students.”

“I don’t know how to get apps.”

“Don’t know how to evaluate or guide kids in their tablet use.”

“Nothing is more frustrating to a teacher who has only 40 minutes to get through a class than a student who takes up the first 15 minutes because he’s having a device problem”

Integrating Tablets in Pedagogy

• Change in teacher’s role to that of facilitator

• Students can learn on their own and at their own pace – this is a challenge for teachers and parents because teachers have always been seen as the main source of knowledge

• Teachers need to be convinced of the benefits tablets bring to their teaching

• Change in schemes of work and classroom setting

In the classroom:

• Using Web 2.0 tools and apps effectively

Integrating Tablets in PedagogyAt home:

• Parents may find it difficult to help their children if they are not familiar with the technology

• Parents can’t distinguish between tool and toy - it will be harder to know if kids are studying, playing or socializing

• Keeping kids safe online

• Can challenge parents’ established rules and limits – they may conflict with the delicate balance that families have already established for use of technology I the home

Distraction• use of social media by students

• excessive gaming

• lack of focus on tasks especially when web searching due to overwhelming information

• learners find it difficult to self-regulate“teachers are at the same time concerned about digital distractions and students’ abilities to focus on tasks and manage their time”

Security• While school tablets probably have filters, many

home devices likely don’t have anything so children can access inappropriate content

• Giving personal information unintentionally when installing apps

• Personal information of students may be accessed if device is stolen

• A tendency by young users to give out personal information online

The following measures may help . . .

• monitoring use by the teacher through a Learning Management System in class

• monitoring by parents at home

• self-management skills: The lack of planning, monitoring and self-reflection are believed to be the main causes why learners find it difficult to self-regulate.

Teachers’ concern: “hard to control what other activities students do other than the lesson”

“learners take responsibility for their own learning”

Main challenges may be overcome with a well-Main challenges may be overcome with a well-planned strategy,planned strategy,

With adequate support, tablets will become an With adequate support, tablets will become an integral part of a student learning experience.integral part of a student learning experience.

How can we train teachers to be prepared to address

these challenges effectively?

Workshops1. Which of the above mentioned challenges do you think will effect

you most?

2. Which other challenges do you think you will face when tablets are

introduced in your class ?

3. Which training do you think will prepare

you to address these challenges effectively?

Readingshttp://www.educationbusinessuk.net/index.php/features/5-/4562-the-impact-of-tablets-in-the-classroom

http://childproofmytablet.com/tablets-education-pros-cons/

http://mashable.com/2012/10/05/tablets-vs-textbooks/

http://www.educationalappstore.com/blog/persuading-staff-to-adopt-tablets-in-school-challenges-and-solutions/

http://tinyurl.com/oxvgldl

http://www.naeyc.org/tyc/article/touch_and_grow

http://www.academia.edu/8893023/A_Case_Study_on_the_Impact_of_a_Tablet-Based_learning_Environment_on_the_Learning_and_Study_Habits_of_First_Year_Students_in_MCHS

https://www.ics.ie/news/view/1131

http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/02/7-potential-issues-to-be-prepared-for-when-bringing-tablets-into-the-classroom/

http://www.tabletpcreview.com/feature/tablets-present-benefits-and-risks-for-at-home-learning/