No more stumbling over unknown words in reading class. A light tap on the electronic page calls up the definition from Webster’s Dictionary. Fifth-grader Breann Wilson quickly called up the definition for the word “reap” during a passage about harvesting in her e-book, “Esperanza Rising.”
Teacher Amy Chiavetta said she’s already had her students create video book reviews with scannable QR codes that will enable anyone curious about a library book to scan the attached two-dimensional code with their iPad and immediately access the video review by their peers.
Hirsh-Pasek found that the second group—the ones engaged in what she calls guided play—came up with the most creative solutions. The same idea applies to scientists, she says: They do their best work when they’re free to play around with a known set of problems.
“Scientists actually are the few people who as adults get to have this protected time when they can just explore, play, figure out what the world is like.”
“We know each other so well that it makes for a really effective combination,” Erik says. “He’s always trying to reinject some playfulness into my serious work. It lets us do things that neither of us could do.”
play is fundamental to science
When I ask him later why he chooses to teach the way he does, he answers simply, “I think this is a cool way of working, and more people should work this way. Sadly, not everyone does, so I try to pass it on.”
"We must use technology to empower teachers and improve the way students learn," said Joel Klein, a former New York City schools' chief who now leads News Corp.'s education tablet program. "At its best, education technology will change the face of education by helping teachers manage the classroom and personalize instruction."
"We must use technology to empower teachers and improve the way students learn," said Joel Klein, a former New York City schools' chief who now leads News Corp.'s education tablet program. "At its best, education technology will change the face of education by helping teachers manage the classroom and personalize instruction."
I own a VGA-to-30-pin iPad adapter, but that tethers me back to the machine. Instead, I used a Kanex ATV Pro ($59.95, www.kanexlive.com/atvpro), which bridges the Apple TV’s HDMI port and the projector’s VGA input. It’s a great solution for outfits such as schools that can’t yet afford to replace their older projection equipment.