Most Important Theory

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I found that the use of tablet computers to enhance learning in the classroom to be one of the most important theories common in my research.  Since technology has introduced a variety of innovations to teaching and learning, it is important to recognize the potential benefits innovation bring.  Tablet computers are one of the latest trends that has been increasingly discuss and applied in the classroom.  In fact, Moran, Hawkes, and Omar (2010) recognize technology as having a ubiquitous presence in educational institutions.  Some even require every student to own their own computing devices.  There are even schools which give the student a laptop or tablet specifically for use in their program.  Many of these devices are mobile technology.  Moran et al found that mobile computing was being adapted to improve academic success, to increase equity of access of digital resources, to increase a regions economic competitiveness by preparing students to effectively use technology in the workplace, and to effect a transformation in the quality of instruction.  Enriquez’s (2010) concept of what this would look like is an Interactive Learning Network (ILN) “where instructors solicit participation during lectures to assess student learning.”  An example of this was evidenced by Bonk (2009) as he described the actual application of this concept during a lecture he had given.  A well-known educational blogger had sat in the front row and requested permission to stream his lecture live via Ustream.  While he lectured, she updated here blog, monitored Twitter, and received questions and comments which she relayed to Bonk, transforming his lecture from a lecturer centered event to a truly interactive experience. 

Emery (2010) notes the shift in the use of laptops as resource items in libraries to tablets like the iPad “because of portability and a more embedded librarian experience.”  Since tablets and technology in general have become so common, Couse and Chen (2010) state “the question educators should ask is not whether and to what extent technology should be used with young children, but rather how it should be used.”  They acknowledge that it is no longer questioned that technology should be used in the classroom because it is already a fixture.  An article in the digital journal, Learning and Leading, written my Harmon (2012) documents his experience with the use of iPads in his sophomore English class.  Most of his students arrive to class at least two grade levels behind.  One day he brought an iPad to class and set it on his desk.  His students were immediately drawn to it and asked him if they could play with it.  The students didn’t need to be shown how to use it because it was already familiar technology.  He soon brought a cart filled with iPads to class for use at various times throughout his class.  One thing he noted was how the iPads helped his students become more engaged in the learning process.  He used applications like Words with Friends to help his students build their word power.  As a result, he noted an overall increase in student engagement and improvement in the passing percentages for the reading portion of the Ohio Graduation Test for the students using iPads as compared to his other classes who did not.  This prospect offers me hope and that is why I consider this to be my most important theory.

References

Bonk, C. (2009). The world is open: How web technology is revolutionizing education. CA: Jossey-Bass.

Couse, L. J., & Chen, D. W. (2010). A Tablet Computer for Young Children? Exploring Its Viability for Early Childhood Education. Journal Of Research On Technology In Education, 43(1), 75-98.

Emery, J. (2010). Something so Right. Journal Of Electronic Resources Librarianship, 22(3-4), 88-92.

Enriquez, A. G. (2010). Enhancing Student Performance Using Tablet Computers. College Teaching, 58(3), 77-84.

Harmon, J. (2012, Jun. - Jul.). Unlock Literacy with IPads. Learning and Leading, 39 No. 8, 30-31. Retrieved May 30, 2012, from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com

Moran, M., Hawkes, M., & El Gayar, O. (2010). Tablet Personal Computer Integration in Higher Education: Applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use Technology Model to Understand Supporting Factors. Journal Of Educational Computing Research, 42(1), 79-101.

Murray, O. T., & Olcese, N. R. (2011). Teaching and Learning with iPads, Ready or Not?. Techtrends: Linking Research And Practice To Improve Learning, 55(6), 42-48.