EdTechTeacher iPad Summit Boston 2015

Due to the continued expansion of standardized, computer-based assessments in K-12 education, it is essential that students are proficient in their ability to read in an electronic format. Additionally, there is an increased need to expose students to informational text literacy materials that assist in their development of college and career readiness skills. This presentation will provide participants with a comprehensive overview of a unique literacy initiative that utilizes iPads in a K-12 school to provide students with access to electronic literacy resources and the use of various digital tools to enhance their learning. Recent educational research and data on electronic reading will be discussed and how this instructional literacy approach impacts student reading achievement. Participants will acquire important knowledge about the use of iPads to enhance the reading achievement levels of students who have varying skill levels. Participants will receive practical instructional strategies and ideas on how to plan and implement an electronic reading initiative in which students utilize iPads and digital tools at the elementary, middle, and high school level. During the presentation, the presenter will provide all participants with an iPad to utilize that will be pre-loaded with electronic literacy materials including e-books, e-magazines, e-newspapers, and literacy digital tools. The participants will experience the electronic reading approach through the perspective of a student and engage in hands-on activities that demonstrate how powerful the use of iPads can be when used for student learning, with a specific emphasis on literature and informational text. The presenter will facilitate a group brainstorming activity to foster collective input from session participants about their educational ideas regarding the use of iPads for student literacy purposes in K-12 schools. Participants will also receive practical suggestions and ideas on pursuing funding to support the start-up of a electronic initiative that utilizes iPads for literacy.