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Thank you Tracy… Now, what might one ask given the history
and information of the conception of the iPad… such as what are the prospective pros and
cons, and more specifically where such a device would be beneficial. When comparing two generations:
Old School versus the New Age, there are some similarities, but mostly, there are considerable
differences between the pros and cons of the Old School mundane, traditional, textbook
learning, and of the New Age creative, interactive, project-based, technology learning. As stated
in the web article, iPad in Schools: Highlighting Unique and Innovative Educational Uses of
Apple’s iPad: “Much like a computer but with a smaller and more accessible form factor,
the iPad can be used for much of the same things computers have been used for in schools:
to do research on the internet, take notes, write papers, create presentations, shoot
and edit a video, or take advantage of the 100s of applications being developed specifically
for learning.” One of the most significant features that Apple prides itself on in the
New Age is that Teachers have the capability of teaching their entire classroom with an
application known as “Video Mirroring.” Video Mirroring is a remarkable and effective
tool that allows the teacher to easily show web pages, lessons, photos, videos, and so
much more on a larger scale screen to all of their students at one time. By connecting
your iPad to an HDTV or display with a video output cable, or using AirPlay to stream wirelessly
to any HDTV, students can directly and visually see and interact with the teacher via their
iPad. Furthermore, there are a multiple of other
pros of using iPads in the classroom for educational purposes, such as follows:
* Ease of use (compared to mouse or keyboard) especially for students with various disabilities;
Useful applications for students with Autism * Direct touch navigation and manipulation
* Compact, lightweight (1.5 lbs.), and durable design; (Safe for preserving student's physical
health from lifting heavy or bulky traditional textbooks)
* Economically and Environmentally friendly * Compatibility amongst students (aggregation
tool) capable of utilizing the same program, such as DropBox, to share and participate
in group projects * Precision with editing for Digital Images
* Time Management: Classroom, Assignments, Organization, & Social
* App Store: Free and affordable, downloadable educational applications
* Apps for all grade levels and all Subject Matters
* General Apps: Pages, Numbers, Keynote * Simplenote or Evernote Note Taking
* Internet access: Safari iOS; Research capabilities * Project-Based Learning
* Entertainment and attractive designs; Educational games
* Longer battery life than Laptops Lastly, a significant pro of using iPads in
the classroom is that the iPad utilizes and expresses Creation, which is the highest level
of Bloom’s Taxonomy. This is an important skill in meaningful, applicable, and successful
teaching and learning. “Some schools are providing iPads to specific groups (grade
levels or classrooms) while other schools are providing iPads to every student at the
beginning of the school year. There are even a few schools making the iPad mandatory for
all students.” The former mentioned web article, iPads in School, proclaims that,
“A new research study shows that Kindergartner students using iPads scored better on literacy
tests than students that didn’t use the device.”
Even though all of these pros sound exceptionally perfect, as with all technology, comes cons.
And now Richard will discuss the potential cons of using iPads…