We need an Essential Question!

This brings us to the present. Last night, I had the really neat opportunity to present the Grizzly Gang's thoughts so far about our Action Research Project to other PLPeeps in the ADVIS / AIMS Community in an Eluminate session. It was neat because after I talked about our work so far, I got to hear a whole bunch of "wondering questions" from other PLPeeps about our project. Collaboration is really neat.

Out of that experience, I learned a few things. We as a team really need an "essential question," that is, what is the question that we want to be able to answer though our research? Asking the question "are iPads viable for Garrison Forest School?" is not only too broad, but it focuses too much on a "tool" and not on "learning."

For sake of keeping good records and for having reference material, here are my notes from the session as well as the community's "wondering questions."

Here is  what Sheryl had to say:

• "I think you really need to be careful not to focus just on the tool"

•  "so start with what is it you want to know if the iPad can do in terms of learning"

• "Tie the iPad to what is meaningful in terms of learning ... not tools for tools' sake"
• "What is your essential question?"

Our Community Leaders (Susan and Robin) suggested that we think about and look at Stacey's iPad classroom -- is there a subject area that is really working for her class that we can investigate?

The "wondering questions" brainstorming session:

Moderator (Susan Davis 1): Alice: Will you have students create the apps you need?


Kris Schulte: Princeton university gave ereaders to a group of freshmen a year or two ago.. and apparently it was not a big hit with the undergrads.. not sure how/if that would apply to you, esp. since this was a couple of years ago (2-3 max years ago)


Moderator (Robin Ellis): is the question how ereader could impact learning and instruction?


Alison Stewart y Fonseca: you might ask Lville RHanewald in particular how the pilot project is going - started in ecember


shari.hiltbrand: One of the thing about iPads is that Apple doesn't have Flash to be able to utilize alot of animations.  That's one of our limitations of for Science teachers.


Adam Messinger: Moore College is implementing the IPAD with customized apps - they may be a great resource; as they are going through it right now


shari.harris: I wonder how the Ipad is different or better than the laptops that you students already have?


Kris Schulte: I think you need to tie it to specific learning goals-- perhpas associated with your school mission or departmental/course goals? or school directives?


Clifton: How will iPads improve the quality of student learning?


Moderator (Susan Davis 1): Are iPads especially good for girls?


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): I think you really need to be careful not to focus just on the tool


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): really think about learning


Clifton: What traning will be provided for faculty?


Eli Montes: The iPad is totally sexy, but I wonder if, when it gets down to it, do DO all the things you want to do, a laptop isn't a more useful tool?


Kris Schulte: lots of interesting questions around technology and gender


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): How the tool can serve the learning


Michele Redding: How will faculty model the use of ipads?


patty: What will the iPad do that can't otherwise be done  to improve student learning/acheivement


Moderator (Robin Ellis): what do you think will be different if all have ipads


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): so start with what is it you want to know if the iPad can do in terms of learning


Jen Braxton: ipads still are best for consuming information not so much creating


Moderator (Susan Davis 1): Have you given some ipads to girls to explore?


Dave Hauge: is there still risk of "digital divide" even when the entity provides the ereaders? i.e will we alienate some students by forcing them to use these tools?


Cassandra Keith: What avenues for learning does an iPad provide that is not currently in place?


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): Like can learning with an iPad improve student comprehension or writing skills?


Moderator (Robin Ellis): how will the faculty change their instruction if all have them, are they willing


Kris Schulte: think also about creating things, not just being consumers.. is the ipad better for one or the other?


Josh Dwyer: I know of a boarding school that has completely switched to ipads and there is a huge learing curve for not only the faculty, but also the students


Moderator (Susan Davis 1): Do ipads solve the ereader issues you are asking?


shari.harris: will Ipads increase student interest, creativity, enthusiasm?


Marie Kneidinger: Can iPads do better what you're already doing?


Cassandra Keith: How do you keep students on task?


Darlene: What can you do with iPad that you can't do with the other tools you already have?


Dave Hauge: How far can you drop them?


shari.harris: How will you measure this?


Moderator (Robin Ellis): are there specific apps that tie to your curriculum


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): What apps are available to help students become connected and creative?


KathyDuren: How can math students to advanced equation work on ipads?


Jen Braxton: a case could be made for ipads being more cost effective than texts and up to date, more intriguing for the kids...


Moderator (Robin Ellis): that others do not offer


Eli Montes: Can you take notes on an iPad e-book like you would on a bound book?


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): How could ipads thin the walls of our classroom?


shari.hiltbrand: @Dave...LOL!!!  Sounds like a science experiment to me!  


Michele Redding: Will ipads expand creativity?


Adam Messinger: How can you use the Ipad in cooprative learning lessons?


Kris Schulte: My previous school gave ipads to all studnets grades 6-12 (allgirls) last fall.. apparently nearly half have cracked screens.. justr something to think about.. in addition to tech support needs!


Moderator (Susan Davis 1): ARe your students regular readers (of books)?  Will an iPad invite them to read better or more?


Moderator (Robin Ellis): would their use enable students to connect and collaborate more than they do now


Moderator (Sheryl Nussbaum-Beach): How could iPads increase the digital footprint impact for our students making them google well


Adam Messinger: Will the Ipad be a distraction (i.e. playing games)?


Jen Braxton: you may want to explore going 1-1 with the iPhone rather then the iPad. alot better for capturing content then remixing and creating on laptiops


Kris Schulte: is collaboration a major goal for your school? what are all the diferent avenues for collaboratoin-- within the school and outside it as well?


kverderber@sstx.org: The ability to search is stronger than the ability to input info. on the Ipad.  Use it to conduct quick activities with the students.


patty: will iPads motivate students to express themselves in the community


Michele Redding: classroom management?

Got that, team? We've got a lot to think about!


 -Alice