Article 5: Challenge Based Learning

     These sites, videos, and readings on Challenge Based Learning were very interesting and informational for me as this is the first time that I've ever been introduced to the concept. I think this is a great way for students to really explore their own potential to make a difference and also delve into a deeper level of thinking. I personally think that as a student prior to being in college, I wasn't forced to think analytically and really challenge myself as often as I should have been. When students are able to use complex problem solving skills and think beyond surface level concepts and ideas, they acquire a lot of valuable knowledge and experience that will be applicable across a plethora of life situations.
     I also really like that this experience will help to empower kids and help them see that they are capable of being world changers. It gives them a safe environment to step out of their comfort zones and challenge themselves to think outside the box and also have to opportunity to build their leadership skills and their ability to work with others. Challenge Based Learning seems to be a fun, empowering, and character building activity that can really enhance a student's learning opportunities. I'm excited to get to put this lesson together with my group.
   

Article 4: iPads and Apps for Literacy

     I found these articles to be so interesting and full of great ways to integrate the technology of tablets and apps into teaching literacy. I am constantly amazed by those pieces of equipment and all the things they are useful for and capable of. The opportunities are seemingly endless for teachers to integrate this technology into their instruction and enhance their teaching and student learning ten-fold. On the site for Education Literacy Apps we saw over 60 different apps available for literacy. These apps are interactive, fun, interesting and relevant to students, and they allow students to be creative. As one article mentioned, they encourage students to practice and use the skills they have with technology and also encourage team work and interaction among peers. 

     Another thing that I thought was really great from the article about iPads for literacy was that it says that iPads and tablets allow students to learn anytime and from anywhere. Students no longer have to be in a computer lab or sitting in front of a computer in order to utilize technology. They can be completely mobile and can learn from wherever they are. It also talked about how students can be more creative and are given options on the iPads which allow them to be learning in a more relevant way because they can choose things that interest them. I think that iPads must also be a great educational reinforcement or reward in that a student can earn game time on the iPad by doing something that they might not prefer or struggle with. 

     Personally I have seen iPads used in really incredible ways, even further than in teaching literacy. My boyfriend's cousin is 13 years old and has Down's syndrome and cerebral palsy. She uses her iPad as a communication device and also takes it to school and can use it for educational purposes as well. My roommates brother is also 13 and has autism and Down's. He uses his iPad as a communication device as well and it's been incredibly useful for their family. 

     Using these types of technologies in the classroom does require that teachers be more flexible and adapt their instruction or the logistics of their planning, but to me it seems worth it for all the benefits they afford.