1. An investigation into the use of the iPad, when teaching in China, to help overcome language barriers and assist reflection.
- Author
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Denby, Neil
- Subjects
IPADS ,COMMUNICATION barriers ,IN-service training of teachers - Abstract
This paper describes improvements to outcomes of a series of INSET courses held in Guangdong Province (formerly Canton), Republic of China, brought about by the use of inbuilt iPad tablet computer technology. Each course comprised training delivered to vocational school and college teachers over two three-day periods at various sites in the province. All courses were delivered with the help of translators. Some difficulties in evaluating the effectiveness of the course were perceived by the course trainer. The hardest part of the process was, effectively, getting the feedback that indicated 'yes, I understand' and 'therefore I can (attempt to) apply in my setting'. This understanding and intention was to be evidenced in the reflection stage of the training. Initially, however, this reflection was found to lack depth and, often, to be based on only part of the training. There were some reasons to consider the translation process as a factor, so an action research approach was used to develop and trial improvements to this process. Ultimately, the use of certain technology on the iPad tablet meant that any issues of translation that might affect reflective outcomes were removed, as the need for detailed translation was itself removed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2012
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