Q&A with Caleb Powell
Position: Fourth grade teacher, Ben Hill County Primary School, Fitzgerald, Georgia
Grade/Subjects: Fourth grade math, science
Caleb Powell is participating in Ben Hill’s iPad pilot program, which started in February. He has 26 students and 30 iPads in his classroom—and he says the tablets, the educational apps, and the support he’s getting from one of VARtek’s Classroom Technology Coaches have given him and his students new energy and enthusiasm.
Just listen to him talk about it.
Describe how you’re using the iPads.
Having iPads in my room has opened the door to endless knowledge and countless opportunities to see my students excel. I use different apps to quiz the students to see if they are paying attention as well as apps that allow students to use the iPad as an interactive whiteboard—just like my Promethean Board. So many times, it was a struggle to give everyone the opportunity to work on my whiteboard, and now they have their own. The biggest problem I face now is who gets picked to use AirPlay (a tool to wirelessly stream content) and send their work to the board.
What percentage of your lessons every day integrate the iPads?
Probably 50 percent or so. Every day I try to improve that percentage.
Explain the difference you’ve seen in your students since you’ve started using iPads.
My students are more alert when using the iPad, and they pay closer attention to what is being taught in the lesson. The level of focus has improved beyond what I would have expected. Their behavior has improved because they know if they are not giving their best, then they lose the opportunity to work with the iPads for the day.
What is technology allowing you to do that you couldn’t do otherwise?
Technology allows me to pick up where the worksheets and books leave off. Also, having the ability to download apps to help my students understand a concept or standard being taught is wonderful! I don’t have to worry about if I have enough manipulatives because all of the ones needed are located on the iPad for the students to use.
How is technology changing the way the students learn?
Students are actually excited again about learning a new standard or concept. They come ready to see what apps we will use for the day’s lesson and also to see if I have downloaded anything new for them to use. It is nice to be able to do more than just print a worksheet or have the students work out of the book. These iPads have helped to renew my spirit in my teaching!
My students with disabilities are benefiting the most from having the iPads. For example, Educreations (an app heavy on visuals and sound) allows my students with disabilities to work problems neatly and with confidence. So many of them have trouble writing—and so through different features they can work and have a neat work space displaying their work.
How have VARtek’s Classroom Technology Coaches supported you during this pilot?
VARtek has been there through every point of this process and has ensured that every need has been met. Brendan Roy has helped me to discover new apps for my lessons and is quick to respond when I need some help.
Nearpod (an interactive presentation app) is one that he showed me that allows me to question my students throughout the lesson being taught. I can use open-ended questions or multiple choice questions at a moment’s notice. Brendan and I meet once a week every other week to talk about how the app would work best in the lesson.
I am so thankful for all the help that VARtek offers because it has made this experience most pleasing.
In what other ways would you like to use technology in your classroom?
I would like to see technology continue to grow, and I feel like it would help to close the achievement gaps that we face in our classes and schools. I look forward to seeing what I can accomplish next year having these devices to use on a daily basis. I truly think that the growth of each student will be outstanding.