Everyone’s an expert. -Seth Godin
My very seasoned kindergartners are total iPad experts. They know all the tricks. They are able to put apps in folders, search for apps quickly using the search screen, save images from the internet, import images into a Pages document, save the document on PaperPort, take a screen shot, use the camera, save a document as PDF, and if I would let them, they could probably order a pizza from Pizza Hut or a movie from Netflix. As with all experts, they love to share what they know with others. In their own words, they are sharing their advice for using iPads with next year’s kindergarten students and with you.
Always carry the iPad with two hands for safetyness.-Jason age 6
Never pick your nose and touch the iPad screen. That is gross. -Hagan age 6
Keep the volume on low or the teacher takes it away. -Parker Jane age 6
It is never ok to stomp on the iPad or throw it. -Kade age 6
There are lots of cool apps and you can learn very lots.-Amantay age 6
You will like the iPad so much you will want one for Christmas, but your parents will say no. -Ella age 5
Don’t share your ear buds with anyone because your earwax is disgusting. -Jacob age 6
There were more, but these are the highlights. They also had good things to say about how they can read a lot on the iPad, write stories, use it for learning new things, work on projects with other students, learn math and science, and blog with others. Can you imagine being a 5 or 6 year old, and already know how to do the things these children can do? Next year in first grade, they will continue to grow in their skills and knowledge.
With all of this wonderful technology, comes responsibility. Just as we aren’t gaining all of our adult knowledge from our smart phones, laptops and mobile devices, our students also need to learn from multiple sources. Social skills, responsible behavior, courtesy, manners, and interpersonal relationships aren’t learned on the iPad. Teachers and parents are role models for our children. We still need to take our children outside and show them nature, curl up and read real books together, play board games together, ask children what they think and why they think that, model appropriate electronic device manners (put it away when you are at dinner or having a personal conversation), and model how and when it is appropriate to use technology. While my students are very knowledgeable on the workings of the iPad and they are gaining 21st century skills in kindergarten, my role is more important than ever.
Being an expert often means someone who knows a lot about the past. Moving into the future, means we all learn together. Technology changes by the millisecond. I have no doubt that my students will be on top of every advancement. I just hope I can keep up!
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iTeach with iPads 
Hi Kristi, nice post. As the end of the year comes, do you have any statistics about how your kids improved using iPads vs other students who don’t? For example in reading or writing.
Xavier,
That data is being looked at by our district people. We can’t compare within the school because everyone in my school uses iPads. The district has hired an outside firm to look at assessments and compare. We are certainly hopeful it will show a difference!
Very excellent post indeed! I love how you highlight the need to teach the students interpersonal and social skills. Learning when to use technology and when not to is also something that is lost on most adults I know. Some people do not even apologize or excuse themselves from a conversation if their cell phone beeps or iPad gets an e-mail. They just look away from you and divert their attention. Oh, before I forget, let me give you the definition of an expert. Has been drip under pressure. LOL…. Get it? That is coming from an I.T. Professional. Sort of like the ID10T problem some folks get when they make a mistake using technology. LOL
James,
Thanks for your comment. Children have to be taught manners, and sadly, so many adults don’t have them. There are some things that technology will never be able to replace!!
Kristi, I’m going to put a link to your blog on my Facebook group. I have more people following the blog from there than have subscribed via wordpress, and most are either teachers, parents or both. I love the original ideas you have. Your students are fortunate to have access to this technology, but even more fortunate to have a teacher who actually looks into using it with a whole-of-learning approach. So much better than those who get the technology because it seems like a good idea but do not make efforts to use it to support the curriculum.
Sarah,
Thank you! I am also linking my blog on Facebook for the same reasons.
Thank you for your kind words!
Hi Kristi, I enjoy reading your blog. Your latest post, The Experts Speak, made me laugh out loud! What do you use to disinfect the students’ iPad screens?
Thanks,
Amy
Amy
Cleaning has been a dilemma. Apple does not recommend any cleaners or alcohol based products. We follow their directions of using a damp lint free cloth. We are fortunate the kids all have their own iPads so there is no sharing.
Thanks for stopping by!
Hagan was probably referring to Dillon.