Since we are allowed to choose our own subject, I
will start with the IPad in the classroom.
This will be a multi-part blog, where each week I will explore different
aspects of this subject. Enjoy!!
IPad – Hardware considerations
Unless you live in a cave, you know what an IPad
is. If you need a refresher, just pop
over to the IPad site at http://www.apple.com/ipad/
and it will help you.
Since schools are moving towards using the IPad in
schools, let’s see if this will be a wise choice in using it on a day to day
basis. There are many things to consider
in choosing the IPad, and we will start with the hardware.
The IPad does have a nice touch screen, at a size of
9.7 inches; it makes for a clear viewing experience. The processor and memory contained within are
adequate for the job of helping the students learn. They allow for video watching, audio
listening, and power point viewing without interruption. There are a couple of storage memory choices
for the IPad, and in my book it is always good to get as much storage memory as you can afford, to help it keep up
with demands that will be placed on it.
It also possesses wireless technology, so the student will be able to
connect not just at school but also at home, the library, the bookstore, or
even McDonalds. This will also allow
them to download and upload assignments that the teacher gives them. A keyboard can also be added to allow another
input choice instead of the touch screen.
For another use of the above hardware, there is also
the application for use in Special Education.
The touch screen allows those who have motor skill issues to use the IPad
easier. The headphone jack allows those
with hearing impairment to adjust the volume so they can hear the audio. There are a ton of uses for this device with
Special Education classes.
The only issue that I can see is damage to the
device. “Therein lies the
problem with iPads in high school: devices break.” (Turrentine, 1) Dropping it repeatedly, for example, will
eventually damage it beyond use. The
best way to fix this is to get an impact resistant case cover, similar to the
one for the IPhone. As of yet, Apple
does not sell such a thing. They sell a
cover that folds back to allow it to sit upright on a desk, but not to protect
it from being dropped repeatedly.
All in all, the IPad will revolutionize education,
if proper precautions and planning are taken.
In the next Blog, we will look at software and apps for the IPad.
References
Turrentine L.. (January 19, 2012). Apple iBooks in schools: Devil is in the hardware. Retrieved September 12, 2012, http://news.cnet.com/8301-30677_3-57361919-244/apple-ibooks-in-schools-devil-is-in-the-hardware/
Anthony thank you for your input on the IPad and durability in the classroom. When you hear about IPads in the classroom you really only hear about the great applications for students to use but you don't really talk about the longevity of the device. I teach a special education classroom and I currently have a student who uses an IPad for a communication device and it has a really cool case on it that protects the whole things and goes around everything that would help protect it if dropped. But again the device is not made to handle the repeated dropping that can occur when these devices are in school classrooms. Thank you for your insight and I look forward to read more in the IPad series.
ReplyDelete~Megan B
I think the fact that the iPads are portable is a great asset to the tool and it would be fun to take out of the classroom and use in the fields for math and science classes. I think it would be fun to record and report out of the classroom and bring the classroom into the real world. I also think that it is great for the students that get to use the iPads at home or anywhere else. While the aspect of portability is great, I agree with you in regards to durability issues. iPads are not cheap; especially when supplying for 15+ students! Until Apple (or any other case company) produces an iPad case that is "child proof," I feel that it is important for teachers to set strict handling procedures for students. I enjoyed reading your blog. Thank you for posting!
ReplyDeleteKim
iPads in the classroom. Where to begin! I personally do not own an iPad or tablet. I do, however, have a smart phone. While I have not done any research myself, I would be curious to know if iPad apps are also available on iPhones.
ReplyDeleteWhich brings me to my next issue. My school prohibits electronics on campus between the hours of 9:00 to 4:15. How can a teacher communicate with administration to "lift the ban" for class? It is a shame that schools do not allow such electronics...but I understand the reasons why.
As far as damage to the technology...well, kids will be kids. Protective cases will do in a pinch...but if something is going to be dropped, it has to be assumed that it might get broken. And of course we then have to worry about the cost to replace/repair. And will we charge students for the damage? We charge them for damaged text books, right?
I like that you posted about iPads. I feel that within a few short years many school districts will do away with text books and begin to phase in e-books.
Possible problem....if you are working wireless, what happens when the electricity goes out at school, knocking out the wireless? Just food for thought.
Thanks for the post.
mmike5150
How can a teacher communicate with administration to "lift the ban" for class?
DeleteThe administration will have to be brought to understand the need for it, and it would have to be monitored and restricted access in order to provide for he classroom.
And will we charge students for the damage? We charge them for damaged text books, right?
Well, the school may try, but since the education of the student is a granted right here in florida, they actually cannot restrict the education of the student based on the costs of repair and replacement.
Possible problem....if you are working wireless, what happens when the electricity goes out at school, knocking out the wireless?
Well, the IPad will have the books for the students actually loaded on them, so if the wireless goes out, then the teacher can always have them load up their books and teach from there directly.
I think classsrooms are ready for the integration of ipads if only the schools find an economic way to provide them. iPads can eliminate the use of paper for assignemnts, tests and textbooks and aid in safeguarding the environment. mOreoevr ipads would provide speacial prgrams that can be introduced into the classrooms and will promote students to particpiate with each other and the classroom as a whole.
ReplyDeleteMuneer Alkhaldi