iPads in the Classroom
Why using an iPad in the classroom can help students learn
17 Benefits of using iPads in the Classroom
17 Benefits of using iPads in the Classroom
- Saving money by combining books, diaries, writing implements, calculators, word processors, etc. all in one media tablet.
- Allowing students to take control of their own learning.
- The touch-screen interface allows students to engage more interactively with content.
- Education programs can be tailor made for each student.
- Wi-Fi and 3/4G connectivity allow for almost instantaneous and continuous access of information. The ability to quickly switch between applications makes it easier for students to switch between different modes of learning (i.e. research and creation).
- Mobile data collection is generally streamlined and easy.
- The iPad easily integrates with existing IT systems. With cloud-based computing, students have connectivity anywhere within the school grounds. There is no need for schools to continue to allocate large budgets for computer power that is no longer necessary.
- School districts have been creative in finding ways to save money using the iPad. From digital textbooks, to tests and to homework, there’s the potential to save huge amounts of money through paperless innovation.
- iPads are accessible to students with disabilities. Apps are available for children with cognitive learning problems and there are also accessibility tools built into the latest iOS such as Speak Auto-Text, White on Black, VoiceOver and Siri, a voice recognition technology.
- The iPad can easily be positioned for comfortable use on your desk or lap. Students can also purchase cases and stands which allow devices to be propped up at an appropriate viewing and typing angle.
- The iPad can also be paired with an external keyboard to ease and speed up typing.
- There is no delay to boot up iPads like there is with netbooks or laptops, and no time lost figuring out complex software applications.
- The iPad’s intuitive design and easy-to-use interface makes it simple for even young children to navigate, thereby optimizing the learning experience of all students.
- The App Store/iTunes Store offers a vast amount of free or low cost apps, many of which are excellent for the classroom.
- Its light weight and portability means it can easily be carried from class to class without having to close and reopen the screen. Data can be accessed while standing and notes can be taken on the go, thus extending learning far beyond the classroom.
- It has far less of a strain on children’s backs since one iPad replaces a bag full of books.
- Children are eager to embrace new technology and many are able to troubleshoot computer issues and resolve them quicker than adults.
This list came from the InKids Education blog.
How to Get Started
iBooks
iBooks
Book in Use
Gallery
iPads in Special Education
iPads have found a unique spot in Special Education. This was the area in schools where the iPads were first integrated because of the amount of applications available. This interview on the Take Part blog is just one of many examples of how iPad's affect a classroom. Neil Virani talks about how he changed students lives by going one-to-one with iPads and his students. Each student having their own iPad allowed Neil to customize a lesson for each student, because of this students were able to reach their yearly IEP goal in only 5 months! Some students were able to write for the first time ever, others finally learned how to read at the age of 13. It wasn't long until Neil's students were teaching others about the iPad.
Worth doing it right
Classroom Management
Awesome Resources!
In Case You Are Having Issues With Your iPad
More For When You're Stuck
Why iPads are Staying
- They're not a laptop - Edudemic lists this as one of the biggest complaints about the iPad but also has it as the top reason. The iPad was a technology revolution because it WASN'T a laptop. The iPad allows a student to be more hands on and control the learning.
- Creative Workflow - Pretty much what this is stating is how easy and fluid the operating system (iOS) works. It allows for a smooth transition from app to app and easy to navigate from page to page.
- Apple Ecosystem - This is how the apple universe talks to each other. It allows all the information to move from one device to another. By saving onto the cloud you are able to pull information from any computer so the user isn't limited to one device only.
- Focus on Education - While other tablets offer educational applications it's estimated that 70% of Apple's applications are dedicated to education, no other manufacturer can claim this.
- Aspirational - When I first read this statement I was thinking how can an iPad inspire me? But what this category mainly explains is that students want to learn on Apple products. They have ingrained themselves so much in our society that it is now a social statement to own an Apple product. When students want the technology they are more likely to learn from it.