For me, the iPad is a game changer in the educational technology industry. Many of the posts you read here point to the potential of the touch interface, the visual sharpness, and the potential of the iPad as a textbook replacement or great note taking device.
No doubt that we will do lots of testing and have numerous conversations about the iPad this school year. After speaking with Bill Bullard last week, we hope that the following questions will help direct our inquiry:
“How can we use the iPad in a class with one teacher?”
“How can we see using the iPad in a class where all the students are equipped with iPads?”
I also have a number of other questions about this type of tablet technology:
“Will the consumer cell phone model take off here, where the school deems specific apps required for students, but the hardware/software is a students choice (iPad/iPhone software vs. Android Slate/Android software)?”
“Will students adjust quickly to the keyboard where faculty/older students who have been taught to touch type on a traditional keyboard find it harder to adjust?”
“Will one iPad be enough for a student or will it replace parts of the student experience (textbook vs. notebook vs. interactive experiences)?”
I have lots of thoughts and ideas about answering these questions, but I’m curious about your thoughts. Do these questions make sense? What are you asking?
I wonder too about security for these very desirable items. But I love the possibilities for visual and aural information. I want to show pictures as my students listen to poets read their own work for example.
Pictures of the poets reading? Sounds like a great idea.
Great questions. I might add:
In the Lower School, could we start with a small set and use a station approach?
Is the iPad a creative tool?
How can the iPad improve the learning experience for the boys?
And of course- what are the best apps for us?
I’m dying to visit a school to see them in use!
Mel, There are only going to be a few schools out there using iPads more than we are, so it may be time for us to be blazing that trail for others to follow. If that’s the case, how do you see us getting there?
I don’t know that I am responding in the right order, but I have a head’s up. Check out today’s article in the New York Times technology section about Apple’s release of a new line of IPODs. Embedded in the article is the announcement that Apple is releasing software to allow the IPAD to print wirelessly. That app sounds like a no brainer. I’ll let you know if I find out more. On another note, any idea why a volume icon appeared on my IPAD screen? Feel free to ignore that question in the spirit of keeping the blog from turning into my personal support web site.
So I can’t follow others? I have to do some thinking- get ready for some experimentation!
I have been using Math Ninja. There is certainly something to the idea of boys and the tactile nature of the iPad. I struggled all summer to get a certain Collegiate student to study his math fact with no success. Then I handed him iPad. I am not sure if he is learning anything, but he is using and playing with numbers without complaint – half the battle for certain.
I could see several stations with various word and math
games for the boys. I have also been exploring drawing and painting apps. There are some extraordinary pieces
of ipad art out there.
I have found the tactile nature of math products on the computer works for girls, too. My daughter has been enjoying Math Blaster as a way to review her basic math skills. My older son–he of the double major in Engineeering and Economics–reminded us that Math Blaster was his favorite math game as a youngster.
John — Thanks to the reference to Math Blaster. my kids have been enjoying Math Blast HD this weekend and it was great. Thanks!
You can always follow others, but we’re in a position to lead this year as well!
This is something that I’ve been thinking about since it was first mentioned that we would be getting iPads. I’ve been hunting for apps that would be usable in the classroom. I’ve found a few music apps that will help the students hone musical skills, i.e. ear training, notation, theory, and music appreciation and literature. I’m dying to try them out in the classroom and see how it will work and if the apps will project on to a screen or not.