Transformation describes the kind of classroom and learning culture most of us are striving for.
Replacement describes how a new resource or change is used instead of, or alongside, an existing resource. The outcome is the same. This is not a negative though, replacement resources can engage learners as the same objective is met in a way which meets their learning style.
So here’s what I did. I put the labels on the line in this order.
I based this decision on my journey in implicating iPad into my setting. First, I used iPad as a replacement tool. I downloaded Apps which were objective driven and replaced existing ways of teaching. So I used phonics Apps, counting Apps, iBooks… Aspect of these Apps gave children visual feedback and organised the activity for them, but in all honesty, it replaced something I could do at a table or with paper, laminated cards, etc.
So Enhancement comes next on my scale, as I started to use Apps on iPad which allowed us to ‘do more’ than we could do with physical resources.
For example, we have used Puppet Pals to create and record puppet shows with instant playback and easy saving for later viewimg. I am sure there is software on a PC which would do this, however, I believe iPad is age appropriate for my young learners as it has touch screen capabilities. Therefore children touch and get a response, more inclusive and easier to access than using a mouse and a separate screen…
Finally comes Transformation, the learning culture I am striving for. A classroom which meets the needs of the young learners in my class. How am I preparing my class of 4 and 5 year olds for the workplaces they will be employed in? How am I preparing them for jobs which don’t exist yet?
I feel I am starting to transform learning by making use of ICT by sharing our work, photographs and videos on iPad via our classblog. Families and other children can share our work and learning journey.
Wilkie explained that technology transformation is only one spoke on a bicycle wheel. There are so many other aspects of school which need analysing like this: parent partnerships, outdoor learning, assessment, professional development… Once enhancement happens in all of these other areas, transformation of a school happens…
Now that I am making links with other schools and settings introducing iPad to their learning environment, I feel this model of transformation is a great way to structure their journey. I wish I had this to model to work with when I began using iPad nearly 2 years ago! What do you think? Does Replacement > Enhancement > Transformation happen in ICT in your school or setting? Or maybe you would structure it differently?
Finally, I would like to thank Craig Wilkie, Liz Kitts and Nottinghamshire County Council for involving me in this ICT Subject Leader Network. It was great to share my use of iPad with you as well.