Journal 1

Enter the iPad (or Not?)
Summary: The journals describes how the new ipad and other netbook/tablet computers can be used in education. The journal states that the new devices should be used to coincide with other devices rather than replace them. The iPad is in a class almost by itself due to all of the different and unique apps available to the iPad that came about due to the iPhone and iTouch. Although the iPad has many downloadable apps available for the iPad, many believe that it will never replace similar devices. The iPad is a lower costing alternative to other devices that can be used to deliver digital content, interactive software, and access to websites.
Part of the choice to use an iPad or netbook all depends on what platform the school is already using, Windows or Mac. Other choices come down to size of screen and keyboard, available Wi-Fi, battery life and cost. Some people feel that netbooks and iPads are good for research and basic applications, but to create media rich content one must use a desktop or laptop. The jury is still out on the final decision.
Reflection: I do happen to agree with much of what this journal has stated. I believe we have a long way to go to see how an iPad may fit in at a school setting. Of course the actual setting is different. I think I could definitely see iPads being utilized in colleges way before other schools. College aged students want to be intouch with everything and have that access. Also, most colleges have Wi-Fi readily available to all students. Most college students are comfortable working on projects from a computer at home or else where, and sharing their work with their classmates via the web.
Elementary schools would have to think about how the iPad could be utilized in the classroom. I could see it reading books to young readers or play an educational game or interactive educational app. I do think that schools would have to think about how sturdy the iPad would be in little hands. Can it be dropped, wet, thrown, etc.? Would it be cost effective?
For middle and high school students, I think the iPad could withstand normal wear and tear form the students. Many of them already use an iPod touch and are familiar with the apps. Of course, I am not sure how many would use an app for educational purposes.
The apps available for the iPad are a great addition that needs to be looked at closer. I believe that they offer students so many learning opportunities. I have seen notecards that students can use to study vocabulary, books, translations for other languages or learning other language apps, dictionaries, math functions, graphs, interactive apps that allow students to learn a process while being an active participant, such as a mitosis app that I recently used and shared with my students, and many more. Although, I have discussed these apps with my students to used for their own purposes, I have not had one comment back about a student actually using one. I believe that students only see the apps for fun, games, and socialization, not for learning. To make a big impact in the classroom, teachers will need to design a unit to include the iPad so that students are forced to use it for educational purposes. Teachers will need to make themselves familiar with the iPad and all that it has to offer before they can make an effective and engaging lesson or unit.
I believe the jury is still out on how effective the iPad can be used for educational purposes. I know for now it cannot do all of the functions that a desktop or laptop can do. But will it one day? Who knows. I guess we will have to wait and see.