Auburn has had some real success with Advantage 2014, our iPads in primary grades initiative. Although many folks like hearing about the enthusiastic teachers who have done many inventive things with the iPads and their students, others wonder what veteran teachers might think; teachers who may not be so enthusiastic.

In March of 2013, I interviewed a handful of such teachers to see what their perspective was. This is the first in a series highlighting the veteran teachers' perspective of teaching and learning with iPads in kindergarten and first grade.

Both Christine Gagne and Jean Vadeboncoeur have taught first grade “for a long time,” as Chris says. Both were skeptical of having to use the iPads with students, and Jean admits that she is not a “pro screen kind of person.” In this video, Chris and Jean talk about their experience in the first year of using the iPads, and the impact the iPad, apps, and their professional development had on their students.

Highlights of their comments:

• By March, all their students were meeting or exceeding standards.
• The apps and using the iPads generated a lot of excitement in the students.
• They saw students try harder and work more diligently to figure out the work on their own.
• They were surprised at this year's students' progress compared to previous years.
• They thought the amount of practice and the immediate feedback were secrets of the success.

Posted with Blogsy