I found the article “Touching the virtual, touching the
real: iPads and enabling literacy for students experiencing disability” very
interesting to read. I am not surprised to see that students with disabilities
are using the iPad in the classroom to promote literacy. The idea that the iPad
allows students to access things they would not normally be able to makes
sense. I found the idea of the three types of touch interesting. I would myself
think that students would obtain a better understanding of things if they were
able to apply physical or virtual touch rather then vicarious touch. Clearly
this is not always the case. I do however see the benefit of vicarious touch. I
would also think that vicarious touch could lead to physical/virtual touch for
some students who are not quite confident enough to try it right away.
I did like that the teacher mentioned that they had
reservations about young children over using new media at the expense of their
social development. I think it is important to realize, as this teacher did,
that the iPad is a tool to aid in the learning process. It is not meant to take
over the entire process and the need for social development is still high. The
key is proper-targeted use that allows students to expand their learning experiences
and complete activities they may not have been able to do in the past.
I happen to be taking another course this summer with a
music cohort as well as staying in the same section in residence with them. Some
of their ideas seem to be rubbing off. As a musician myself, I know that
reading, writing, and playing music is sort of a literacy event on its own. I
found the following article that talks about one music education using iPads
with students to allow them to be part of the band. I thought you may find it
interesting.
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