EDST Student Teaching Observers

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About This Article

This article describes how mobile computing, specifically tablets, was piloted by the Student Teaching Supervisors to transform teaching and learning.

Intended Audience

WSU instructors interested in past faculty experience with tablet devices in the classroom.


Fall 2013 iPad Pilot

A subset of the student-teaching supervisors had access to an iPad tablet to use throughout the fall semester along with several apps for use in the field to collaborate with and assess student teachers.

How the iPads are Used by Student Teaching Supervisors

A subset of the student-teaching supervisors were given iPads to use in their supervisory duties. The intent was for assessing the student teachers and collaborating with them while in the field. Collaboration took several forms but most notable was the use of video from the field to talk "face to face."

Objectives for the pilot included:

  • Familiarize supervisors with tablet technology. The majority of the supervisors in the pilot had no experience with tablet computing of any kind. Being part of this pilot encouraged usage and ultimate comfort with the new technology.
  • Begin evolution of communications and relationships between student teachers and supervisors. Moving forms from paper to digital and encouraging familiarization will help move the communication process toward a simpler, more effective end. For more information, take a look at the Student Teaching pilot.

Outcomes

Changes in the classroom

  • Improved interaction with student teachers. By making the communications channel more flexible and accessible, it was noted that interaction between student teachers and supervisors improved.
  • Increased comfort levels with technology. By introducing the iPads to the supervisors and supplying them with training, their comfort with the new technology rose. Without this level of comfort, tablets go in the desk drawer and are not used to their potential.

Recommendations

  • Fully train supervisors on tablet usage. Because many of the supervisors are not familiar with tablet technology, formal training at the onset of the term is extremely important.
  • WSU must implement the strategy to remain valid. Forcing the technology into the supervisors' job may cause discomfort and even the loss of some supervisors that do not like technology, but the pluses that come with the iPads outweigh the minuses.
  • Implement the use of iPads with all supervisors. Improvements to relationships, communication, and student-teacher support discovered in the limited pilot suggest the use of tablets should be implemented college wide.

iPad Applications Employed in Student Teaching Supervisors

The following applications were used in this iPad pilot:

  • PaperPort Notes

Descriptions, pricing, and links to iTunes for each of these applications is available on the iPad Pilot Applications page.

More Information

Related Wiki Topics


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