iPads in the Classroom

Image used with permission from smemon87

As a digital native, I've grown up using all sorts of technology. From a computer, to a cell phone, to an iPod, it's hard to imagine life without these items. Still, at the same time, I'm old enough to remember a time when cell phones were large and rare and Internet time was limited because of dial-up connection. As for iPods, well, I think I have an old Walkman lying around somewhere! Technology has evolved so much in the past two decades, and, like I touched upon in the previous post, schools are beginning to evolve too. Several schools across the United States are even providing their students with one of the newest pieces of technology: iPads. I first read about this in a New York Times article, but, as a future teacher, I felt skeptical about accepting it. Though it seemed like an excellent device, I couldn't help but wonder if students really benefit from having there textbooks on a screen. Would the applications available truly enhance learning? Or, would the device steal from a child's learning experience? These questions are similar to the fears of many educators across the nation. Nonetheless, after doing some research, and being able to try out an iPad in one of my classes on campus, I personally wouldn't mind having iPads in the classroom for my students. These devices are interactive and engaging for students and teachers alike. If used correctly, I believe learning can be greatly enhanced. The Apple website gives a great overview of the applications that students can used, but schools need to conduct their own in depth studies before adopting the iPads completely. It's not just about textbooks and handwriting. Many applications exist to enhance subjects such as science and math. For example, in one of my UNI courses, I was able to try out an application in which students are able to explore the constellations in the sky by moving around with the iPad. Schools across the nation have found benefits to adopting 1:1 student to iPad. Even Price Lab in Cedar Falls is going to try to test this out during the next school year.  Instead of having just 1:1 iPads though, they plan on having 50% iPads and 50% laptops in order to see if one is more beneficial than the other. I know I'll be watching to see what happens as technology continues to evolve and even more schools bring iPads into the classroom.