iPads in the Classroom

iPads in the classroom

 What were the benefits of having class iPads in the classroom?

I found the one on one use of iPads in the classroom to be very beneficial. The iPads allowed for an easier flow of information during discussions and a more accessible outlet for annotations. Although writing assignments and essays could be easily done using pen and paper, the use of iPads supported correct spelling and grammar. All work done on the iPads was easily stored in 'the cloud' and could be accessed at home using a computer. The iPads allowed my class to do projects that would never have been possible without them. The iPads allowed for projects to be created using prezi, animation desk for iPads, and photoshop express and supported a more creative work environment. During my time using the iPads I was allowed to create a project relating to our classroom subject matter. My teacher was generous enough to let me purchase animation desk for my iPad and create a video for my project. The experience was amazing and I would love to be able to have that sort of creative freedom again. The iPads were very beneficial for improving work flow and allowed for a more creative environment for our work.

What were the limitations or problems with having a class set of iPads?

My biggest problem with the iPads was the lack of a Microsoft office type app. Writing papers on the iPad is much more difficult than on a regular computer because of  the lack of an app similar to Microsoft word. Although the iPad offers apps like notepad and Evernote and Dropbox, they do not have all of the specific essay writing tools that would be necessary for school assignments. I found annotating and note writing to be a great deal easier with the iPad, but I would never have been able to write a full essay or paper. I believe that our school system is moving in a direction where iPads will replace textbooks and will be a outlet for easy annotations. However, without a proper Microsoft word or office apps I do not believe I would be able to rely on an iPad for fully doing school work. An app for a better writing outlet is inevitably going to be created, but until then, I feel that the iPad would be limited for full school work and essay writing. Other than a better essay writing app, I did not find myself limited in any way while using the iPads.

Do you think that the school district should have more iPad carts for students to use or move to a 1:1 environment where all high students would have access to an iPad they would be able to take home and use during the school year?

I do not believe that students should be given iPads until they can be fully relied upon like a working computer. The iPads were an amazing experience, and I would personally love to have one of my own, but I do not believe I could fully rely on an iPad for school work. I loved my time with the iPads! The iPads provided amazing creative freedom when working on projects, and gave the class better comprehension of the subject matter. Information was easily accessible, being that every student had a working computer and  world wide web right on their desk in front of them. Notes and annotations were easily taken, and were even more easily accessed when stored in 'the cloud'. Although the iPads were very cool, I dont believe they are ready to be relied on by a school system. The iPads do not have an app that would easily allow essay writing like a computer and Microsoft Word. Until a better app for assigned essay writing is created for the iPad, I do not believe that my school should give students expensive tools that they could not fully rely on for school work.