iPads in the Classroom

Year after year technology in the classroom is becoming more advanced. Teachers are expected to keep up with the most innovative technology. Recently the iPad has been introduced into the 21^st century classroom. Teachers are regularly using the iPad to assist in various subjects and allow for a more hands-on environment.  Teachers are using apps, iTunes U, iBook, as well as the camera and video for interactive learning in the classroom. As seen in the image below there are many benefits to using the iPad regularly in education. 

In certain subjects the iPad is a key learning tool in developing skills needed for future learning. For instance, math apps like Math Evolve allow for a more engaging learning style than flash cards and times tables. Rather than memorizing and reviewing information time and time again, an app has been developed to help kids learn math in a more interesting way. Teachers are able to encourage kids to learn key concepts like multiplication and division using the iPad. As seen in the video below, kids are thrilled to use these helpful educational games. 

In addition to Math Evolve, check out the 10 best apps for education!

The benefits of the iPad are endless. The goal for iPads is not to just introduce current technology and bring a more interactive classroom environment The main goal for using iPads is to benefit students, and potentially raising their scores. For example, in Maine "administrators are using the iPad in controlled areas to prove its efficacy in raising literacy rates and teaching mathematical skills. This case study is part of a bigger program dubbed the Advantage 2014 initiative, which aims to raise literacy and numeracy skills from 63 percent and 60 percent, respectively (as measured in spring 2011), to 90 percent in the 2014–2015 school year" (Ion).


Although there seem to be great success with implementing the use of iPads in the classroom there is one main concern. Are the iPads costing school systems too much? This is a large topic of controversy for many school systems. iPads cost approximately $500 a piece, causing schools to be hesitant. The price can seem steep but compared to textbooks they are actually saving school money in the long run. The NBC San Diego news station recently did a story concerning the cost efficiency of iPads in the area. It is stated that, "seventh graders carry anywhere from $300 to $500 worth of books with them each year" according to Lillian Leopold, a spokeswoman for the district" (Steussey). Although textbooks are reused, often times new additions come out causing the school to purchase new books. By using iPads rather than re-buying textbooks should save the district about $3 million.

Overall, iPads are worth the investment. The benefits outweigh the costs. Kids are able to develop vital skills and learn to use the most current technology. The iPad can be used in all subjects by simply downloading games, books, and other learning tools like a calculator or dictionary. Overall, the iPad can help change the face of education by allowing kids to explore and learn in the true technological world we live in, in turn transforming what we know as the 21st century classroom.





Resources

Apple in Education. http://www.apple.com/education/ipad/

Florence Ion ( 2012 May 18). iPads in the Classroom are Changing the Face of Education. http://www.maclife.com/article/features/ipads_classroom_are_changing_face_education

InterActionEducation (2012 March 27).
http://www.interactioneducation.com/ipadsineducation.html

Lauren Steussy (2012 February 23). Are iPads in the Classroom Worth It? http://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/Are-iPads-in-the-Classroom-Worth-It-Sweetwater-140227653.html#ixzz2JUPboHLb

Meris Stansbury ( 2012 April 21). New: 10 of the best Apple apps for education in 2012. http://www.eschoolnews.com/2012/04/21/new-10-shiny-apple-apps-for-education/