A Proposal for iPad

Stations
By
Iris ODowd
Dominican University

 EXPOSING OUR YOUNG CHILDREN TO TODAYS TECHNOLOGY SEEMS

TO BE THE NORM. SOME TEACHERS MAY BE INTIMIDATED BY
TODAYS TECHNOLOGY, THEREFORE THEY USE IT AS A TRANSITIONAL
TOOL RATHER THAN A TEACHING TOOL.

The problem, children

sitting on the floor, and
expected to learn a
lesson by watching T.V.
without any interactions.

The problem, sitting

young children at a
desk and expecting
them to complete a
task which is of no
interest in their
world .

The problem,
expecting 7
children to share
one piece of
technology.

THE NEED - THE TECHNOLOGY PLAN

Children need the exposure to technology in order to actively
utilize and enhance their learning in every way. With an iPad
station children will have a chance to be critical thinkers as
they collaborate and apply previous knowledge as they learn
and work together.
I am proposing a space saving, two station technology table.
The table holds two tablet computers and has a center storage
section for headphones and other computer accessories.

This plan is supported by my director, my dean, the

teachers, and parents at my center.

THE RESOURCES
THE
Wayfair
is the company
whoFUNDING
supplies the space
saving
iPad Station Tables.

http://www.wayfair.com/Steffy-35-x-21-Rectangular-Classroom-Table-SWP1629-8-L556-K~ZJ1360.html?refid=GX69981335460-ZJ1360_14214578_14214583_1
4214588&device=c&ptid=127656036329&PiID%5B%5D=14214578&PiID%5B%5D=14214583&PiID%5B%5D=14214588&gclid=CjwKEAiAvPGxBRCH3YCgpdbCtmYSJABqHRVwj
F1ySp_PXx5Jicl-XxE62CL9CdAo23uiOqKTFVhoCwBPw_wcB

Dominican Universitys I.T. Department will assist in

locating the best price for iPads.
A Department Improvement Grant will be submitted
to Dominican Universitys Technology Program to
help fund the
iPad Stations.

THE LEARNING THEORY

Technology is altering (rewiring) our
brains. The tools we use define and
shape our thinking (Siemens 2005).
This station will support the Social
Constructivism theory. Learning will
take place between students through
thought and language, learning
groups, collaboration and choice,
instruction, reflection, dialogue, and
working with peers. Knowledge will
be constructed as the students test
and explore different applications
together. Over the last twenty
years, technology has reorganized
how we live, how we communicate,
and how we learn (Siemens 2005).

STANDARDS -AND CHALLENGES

13.B.EC.b Become familiar with technological tools that can aid in scientific inquiry.
During the preschool years, young children are developing a sense of initiative and
creativity. They are curious about the world around them and about learning. They are
exploring their ability to create and communicate using a variety of media (crayons,
felt-tip markers, paints and other art materials, blocks, dramatic play materials,
miniature life figures) and through creative movement, singing, dancing, and using
their bodies to represent ideas and experiences. Digital technologies provide one
more outlet for them to demonstrate their creativity and learning (NAEYC, 2012)
The biggest challenge once the iPads Stations have been set in the classroom may be
some teachers. Teachers need training until they are completely comfortable utilizing
an iPad. In-service training is important for teachers to share their experiences and
applications they find useful.
Regulating time at the iPad Station may be a bit challenging at first. Teachers need to
make a schedule. Students will need to responsible in following and respecting the
schedule.

THE DESIGN - THE TIMEFRAME

THE PERSONNEL NEEDED

Dominicans technology grant becomes available at least once a year, sometimes

more depending on funds. Dominican Universitys I.T. Department will send an
email out to all departments of the university when funds become available for
their technology grant. The completed application must be submitted on or before
the deadline date along with a detailed rationale for the technology, and the cost of
the technology being requested.
My proposal will be ready the first day the grant is announced. I will submit my
proposal to Dominican Universitys Technology Department along with their grant
application the next time it is available.
Assistance will be needed in the set up of the iPad tables and the installations of
the iPads

Discussion

Teachers and students will discuss the new iPad Station during circle
time. Rules will be collaboratively made among the
students and teacher.

Assessment

Teachers will observe and document each childs progress on social

skills, collaboration, higher order of thinking, the use of the
technology, and cognitive skills throughout the school year. Students
will be assessed on their technology skills before and after working at
the iPad Station. This plan will be deemed successful when the
students at my center are given hands on time at the iPad Station in
their classroom and are able to maneuver the iPad without assistance.

FEEDBACK (FROM
TEACHERS)
Positive
Willing to introduce to the students
with strict instructions
Each student has an iPad at home
Willing to incorporate the iPad in
weekly lesson plan
Technology is needed to keep
students interested
Technology is needed to keep
students involved
Technology can be implemented
with traditional learning
We need to teach our students
what is important to them

Negative
Preschool children are too young
Preschool children s/b
concentrating on social skills
Technology s/b kept to a minimum
Technology can cause problems in
the classroom
iPads build no skills needed for
kindergarten

My Goal
Teachers are concerned about how students will interact once
left alone to explore on an iPad. When given the opportunity,
children always find a way to work together without having to
involve an adult if they truly want to work at that station.
Due to the rapid changes in todays world with objectives,
standards, and technology we need to start early and teach
our students what is important to them in their world.
Conduct several professional interactive trainings on iPad
applications

REFERENCES
Selected examples of effective classroom practice involving
technology tools and
interactive media. (2012). National Association
for the Education of Young Children. Retrieved from
http
://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/PS_technology_Examples.pdf

Siemens, G. (2005, January). Connectivism: a learning theory for the

digital age. Retrieved from http
://www.itdl.org/journal/jan_05/article01.htm