Using iPads in the Classroom

Using iPads in the Classroom

Can the iPad be classified as an appropriate educational tool in today’s classroom? This question is currently being debated throughout many school districts but there is no definite answer.  Arguments could be made both ways in favor and against using the iPad in the classroom. In my opinion, there are three ways in which the iPad enhances the classroom which are multimedia, portability, and apps.

Multimedia

Yes, many desktop computers and laptops in the classrooms have webcams, microphones, and movie maker programs but the iPad has a huge advantage in that department because of its portability and accessibility. Let's say you have a movie making project. Normally, you would need a video camera to take the video, a wire to transfer it to a computer, and a computer to edit and publish the video. I had a project like this in my communications class and it was so hard trying to transfer files to a computer, edit it, and then publish the video. If we had been able to use the iPad, we would not have had this problem because it can do all of this in one device with the help of the video apps available. It makes digital learning not just a special project but something that could easily be incorporated into any lesson.

Portability

Kids today already have to carry around a huge amount of textbooks from class to class and some school districts even require students to have a laptop and bring those to class as well. Instead of carrying around all of these books and extra weight on their backs all day, all they need is the iPad.  Students can load their textbooks on to their iPad, take notes, and carry it from class to class. This will also help students become more organized. Instead of keeping up with multiple notebooks and multiple textbooks, it can all be on one simple electronic device.

Apps

Perhaps the most appealing feature of the iPad are all of the apps available through the App Store. Many apps can be used in the classroom and can be personalized based on the user of the iPad. For example, the Edmodo app automatically keeps you logged in so all you have to do is open the app and your personal homepage is there with information from classes you are currently enrolled in that use this particular app. Another useful app is the google drive app. It allows students to store documents and information on the iPad and then you can open up your google drive account on a computer and view the documents on a computer as well. These, along with many others, can have a positive impact on students and their learning.

The iPad is revolutionizing the way that teachers teach and students learn and will continue to do so in the years to come.

References

8 Useful Video Apps for Your iPad. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/12/8-useful-video-apps-for-your-ipad.html

The device that changed everything is now changing the classroom. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/ 

Thousands of apps. Endless potential. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/education/apps/

SomeiPhoneHelp. (2011, September 3). Apple - iPad 2 - TV Ad - Learn **New Apple Commercial**(Video file). Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjqSsScRCwQ

Pittinsky, Tzvi. The Advantages of Using iPads in the Classroom. (2012, November 25). Retrieved from http://techrav.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-advantages-of-using-ipads-in.html?m=1