ipad

iPads in the Classroom

iPads in the classroom, good or bad? Has there been enough research to know the influences that they are having in classrooms around the country? Let is compare the pros and cons of this new concept. 

Pros                                        Cons
*up to date                                                                       *costly
*light weight                                                                      *damages
*multi-functional                                                                *misuse
*interactive                                                                        *distraction
*disability-friendly                                                             

With more and more schools across the nation receiving grants to purchase iPads for their classrooms questions are being raised about the impact they are having, both the good and the bad. What can be done on an iPad is almost endless. Besides the basic applications (apps, for short) that come installed on all iPads, teachers are able to download almost any app they want for classroom use, often for free. 

One of the main purposes of using iPads is to replace physical books. They are expensive, bulky, and often outdated by the time they reach the students. By having iBooks downloaded onto the iPads they can be easily updated as needed, students cannot forget a book unless they do not have their iPad, and the books are usually interactive. The video below shows how textbooks are changing from paper to electronic. 

Students with learning or physical disabilities can benefit from using iPads as well. Unlike paper textbooks, iPads are able to zoom in for students who may have visual impairments and the text background color can be changed for easier reading. If a student is blind or has a hard time reading the text can be read to them with a tap of a finger. 

So what about the down sides to using this technology? Currently, iPads do not support Flash which is needed to view some websites and videos. This could limit access to educational sites and interactive actions. Although the cost, damages, and distractions are listed as cons, they do not override the pros in this case. Often times schools can purchase the iPads at a discounted price and insurance for about $50 per year is offered to parents for possible damages and repairs. Due to the flat surface of iPads, they are easily seen by everyone around the user. Students will have a harder time hiding what they are doing  when they are lying flat on the desk in front of them. 

The only other drawback to using iPads in the classroom that I would bring up is the fact that hands on skills could be lost. When a student is taking notes on this electronic device spell check is at their fingertips. The need to sound out a word is no longer needed. Students also lose penmanship. Typing is a positive skill to have, it is and will continue to be needed in our culture, however, students need to still learn how to write with paper and pencil. They will be expected to fill out documents when they get older that do not have the option of electronic copy. The current lost art of cursive handwriting will surly be dead if students are not taught proper penmanship. 

There are positives and there are negatives. The use of technology seems like it will be around for a good while in our society. In moderation and with self control and discipline it can be great and very useful, however, if we allow it to overtake our every move we will be headed for trouble. 

Apple. (2013). Accessibility. Retrieved from

http://www.apple.com/accessibility/ipad/vision.html

Harrison, D. (2010). Ushering iPad into the classroom. Retrieved from

http://thejournal.com/Articles/2010/10/13/Ushering-iPad-Into-the-Classroom.aspx?Page=1