iPad in High School

Posted on by mkaufman

I just came upon a conversation that’s been taking place for more than a month now on a bulletin board about whether or not it makes sense to buy iPads for two high school students and a middle school student.

The conversation…

It’s interesting the various types of responses people are giving. Numerous people are giving parenting advice – and NOT answering the question about the utility or usefulness of the device in school. And opinions are mixed – however those that are answering the question seem to feel the young people would love it and it would be something very useful for them.

Several people bring up something I wrote about in another blog post on another blog. I think the iPad creates a problem for schools. The iPad is primarily a consumption device and laptops/computers are (or can be) primarily production devices. The problem as I see it is that we really want to get young people creating more and consuming less (in the passive sense.

So, what do you think? Are you buying your high school age student an iPad?

iPad in College

Posted on by mkaufman

From Every One to Choices to Specific Courses

It’s probably old news by now but there are several universities that are looking to distribute iPads in various ways this coming fall.

The one that seems to me to be the most extreme is Seton Hill University – which, according to this article, will be giving away iPads to all students (along with a 13″ Macbook laptop). A student memo states,

“Students will be able to download their textbooks to their iPads from the iBook Store. In addition, iPads can be used as phones and for air and file sharing, as well as note-taking.”

Can you imagine what it might be like to get a laptop and an iPad for use in school? That could be one of the most important and interesting experiments using technology in schools.

At George Fox University incoming freshman enrolling this fall will have a choice between a Macbook or an iPad.

For more than 20 years, George Fox has supplied a computer for each incoming undergraduate student to keep upon graduating. The cost is included in tuition.

The decision to offer a choice puts George Fox on the cutting edge of technology in higher education circles, according to Greg Smith, the university’s chief information officer.

“With this, we’re basically asking students ‘What computing system will work best for you?’” Smith said. “By giving them this option, they can choose between the iPad, a mobile device known for its networking and E-textbook capabilities, or the laptop, which offers more computing horsepower.”

“How the numbers work out will be interesting, but no matter what I think we will see many iPads, iPhones and iTouches throughout the undergraduate population,” Smith said.

Oklahoma State Test the iPad

On another front, I’ve just read an article in an online magazine called Campus Technology that says Oklahoma State will be testing the use of the iPad in PR and Marketing courses this fall. It looks like the tests will be focused on using the iPad as a research tool – and possibly saving some money (like $100) on a text book that will be in ePub format (a format that is readable on the iPad). The students participating in the test will be able to keep the iPads after the semester is over.

“This pilot initiative will provide valuable insight into the research benefits of the Apple iPad in the classroom,” Hargis, said. “The iPad has had an amazing impact since being introduced and we are excited to be able to put this powerful and creative tool in the hands of students and faculty and see what happens.”

The Campus Technology Article on Oklahoma State

Duke University Using iPad for Field Research

In a subsequent article from the same publication, Duke University is planning on experimenting with the iPad for field research. The iPad will be used in a master’s course that introduces students to methodological techniques used in global health research. The Institute expects the iPads to increase research efficiency in the field by allowing students in low-resource settings to capture more data using one device than the traditional methods of data collection.

“Our primary goal is to equip our students with a toolset that allows them to make the most of their time in the field,” said Associate Professor of Sociology Jen’nan Read, who will be teaching the class. “As calculation, graphing, and presentation-creation functions of the iPad are put to use in the field, so too is the ability for students to focus on mastering the more complex methods by which they are basing their research.”

“Traditionally, the more sophisticated learning, the kind that requires synthesis and evaluation, occurs after the students have left the field, after they have completed data entry, and only after they have begun to organize, interpret, compare and contrast, and summarize their data by retiring to a location with a laptop or desktop computer, like their home or office,” said educational technologies consultant Marc Sperber, who is the main consultant for this project. “With an iPad a student may collect, organize and display data while in the field, allowing them to immediately engage in analyzing and interpreting that data when and where it has greatest meaning.”

At Duke the devices will be equipped with 3G and WiFi internet access as well as a variety of research and survey applications that can record and import multimedia interviews and photos, and collect, chart, evaluate, and present data. The applications will be in the categories of research, reference, communication, and navigation.

The Campus Technology Article about Duke University

What’s it all mean? We’ve got PR, Marketing, field research, and everyone gets one. I imagine that we’ll learn a lot from these experiments and by this time next year things will be quite different – with iPads in just about every learning environment we can think of. What do you think? Is the iPad destined for use in colleges?

10 Ways the iPad Can Change Schools

Posted on by mkaufman

I just came upon this list of 10 ways the iPad can change schools. I’m still not sure about the content creation aspects of the iPad but I’m definitely open to seeing improvements in that area.

June 21st, 2010

The iPad is still a novelty in the tech world and especially in education, where it’s being used experimentally as a content delivery and even as a content creation tool. If you’re an online college student, you’re already familiar with many digital tools and applications that help you connect to the greater academic community and your fellow online students, but the iPad may herald the future of the “tablet classroom,” even for elementary-aged students. Keep reading for 10 ways that the iPad will forever change education.

  1. Students will have automatically updated information: If classrooms are able to supply every student with an iPad, then textbooks wouldn’t be needed again. Instead of waiting for the school district’s budget to increase so that they can get new textbooks, teachers will be able to facilitate up-to-the-minute information, research, multimedia, and news stories for each lesson, via the iPad, instead of using outdated printed books. E-textbooks are being developed for higher education now, and more sophisticated versions for all levels of students are expected to be released in the future.
  2. It promotes active, engaging learning: Parentdish.com explains that other e-readers like the Amazon Kindle are static, but the iPad is interactive and cooperates with apps that integrate music, video and other media and experiences into reading and learning, which in the past have been traditionally passive in nature. With certain apps, Internet access and other tools, students can instantly apply their lessons to real-world problems, giving their learning experiences more depth while improving critical thinking and decision-making skills at an early age.
  3. iPads may foster customized learning: Customized learning programs and hybrid education programs — in which some of the teaching is conducted online, even in secondary and primary schools — are gaining traction in some schools around the country, and the iPad is a logical asset to these experimental, progressive systems. Edutopia’s Bob Lenz believes that the potential exists for teacher-designed applications and programs that will offer students customized lesson plans and annotated e-textbooks. Students will also have the opportunity to create their own blogs, research and even e-books with the tools and access provided by the iPad.
  4. Budget-friendly equals more access: The price of iPads haven’t yet leveled off, but they’re still more economical than the kind of laptops that have competitive web access and applications. Some analysts believe that schools would be more likely to purchase iPads than laptops for students, giving more students access to digital learning tools and new technology. Furthermore, if students can keep the same iPad for several years — or even trade it in for new updates every so often — it is far cheaper than purchasing a whole new set of textbooks for each child from kindergarten through 12th grade.
  5. It offers a range of tools without multitasking options: This feature is considered a major plus for some iPad users and a huge downfall for other tech lovers. While other tools, including basic laptops, allow for multitasking applications and the ability to run more than one application at once, the iPad’s simplicity is actually ideal for classroom learning. Students can read all the content their teachers want them to access, but without the distractions. That means that kids can’t play games while pretending to follow along with the lesson, and teachers still have control over the classroom.
  6. They bring mobility to education: We expect kids to lug home back-breaking loads of textbooks to do their homework, but wouldn’t it be easier for them if they only had to carry around an iPad? Besides being physically ightweight, the iPad’s mobility means that kids can work on homework and projects from anywhere, at any time. They’re constantly tuned into learning — every teacher’s dream.
  7. Content delivery is being revolutionized: Students now have virtually unlimited opportunities for receiving educational content. Beyond static textbooks or even PowerPoint presentations, developers are experimenting with multimedia games, e-books, databases and other platforms for creating and delivering content for learning.
  8. It encourages social interaction during learning: This feature is especially encouraging for distance learners who study independently. An article from the University of Texas’ Continuing and Innovative Education blog points out that “as ideas or questions occur to a student while reading an online textbook, he or she can immediately share them with other students through a class’s social networking group page.” Additionally, students have instant access to reference tools and multimedia support to help them understand what they’re reading, even if they’re away from their laptops.
  9. iPads can boost productivity and organization: With apps from Blackboard and other education content organizers, iti will be easier for students to contact teachers, keep track of schedules and deadlines, and even find their assignments and task lists.
  • They open students up to a global learning community: iPads continue the tech trend of opening users up to the rest of the world. Even young students will be able to communicate with kids from around the world, learn from teachers at other schools, and collaborate on projects and participate in discussions within the greater, global academic community.

    • Here’s the blog post where I found this list.

    iPad in Schools Discussion Groups

    Posted on by mkaufman

    I recently became aware of this online discussion that was started on the Apple Discussion boards.

    It seems there is also a ning group started for educators using or exploring the use of the iPad in schools. From the discussion board:

    There are two nings here addressing some of the questions you asked: one is part of a general ed tech discussion (http://isenet.ning.com/forum/topics/ipads-in-education) and one is more focused on the specifics of ipads (http://ipadeducators.ning.com/). Neither are terribly active (former has more going on than the latter) but you may find some answers on there, or at least get discussions going.

    Here’s another discussion forum I discovered. It’s located in Australia – but the conversation is relavent no matter where you are:

    http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/1408212.html

    Students Using the iPad

    Posted on by mkaufman

    How might students use the iPad? The following reflections come from a middle school teacher in a blog post he made (after giving his iPad to some students and getting their input/opinion). In his previous post he was commenting about how the iPad had changed his life and wondered:

    So now I wonder, if this has really changed my game, how might it change the game for a student who is able to go through the school day with it? One-to-one initiatives are popping up all over (finally), and the iPad may be one solution for students. An iPad is a consumption device more than a creation device (we still need laptops or desktops), but the types of input and resources available make it a real possibility for student use. I’m going to try an experiment this week with a couple of students and let them take it to all their classes for a day. I’m really interested in how they think an iPad might (or might not) make their learning better. Hopefully I’ll convicne them to share there thoughts here next week. Stay tuned…

    So here is what he came up with after hearing the feedback from the students he gave the iPad to.

    1st period, Science: Collect microscope data using the ProScope Mobile

    2nd period, ELA: Enter/edit literary responses in a discussion forum

    3rd period, Music: Compose music and email the music and notation files with the app, Music Composer

    4th period, Spanish: Record target language conversations with the app, Voice Memos for iPad, and email them to the teacher

    5th peroid, Math: Practice solving equations in the app, Draw for iPad, and share them with classmates over Bluetooth

    6th period, Social Studies: Review historical videos on YouTube or Discovery Education Streaming

    7th period, Band: Put the iPad on the music stand and play music from the app, Scorcerer

    8th period, Physical Education: Enter fitness data into a Google spreadsheet (AFTER keeping iPad in locker room and moving actively for 40 minutes in class…)

    9th period, Art: Sketch designs using the app, Doodle Buddy, and post work to the class website

    These are his first thoughts. His further reflection suggests that he’s sold on the value of the iPad versus a laptop. His final thoughts in this post were:

    So that is just a glimpse of what could be. All in a device that just turns on (as opposed to boots up) and tucks in your arm like a book. There is a incredible amount of room for deepening the learning experience for students. I totally acknowledge the proprietary nature of the iPad and some inherent limitations, but I’m still sold.

    So the question becomes, does the school try to provide the iPads, or come up with some unique solution where families purchase them and get to keep them?

    Back when the iPad first came out another teachers wrote the following review about the iPad and its use in schools:

    What’s GREAT about the iPAd in Education:

    • It’s on INSTANTLY! I can’t tell you how great that is to have what you need on NOW! Love it.
    • It’s FAST! Everything is so fluid and quick. (And BIG!) Better than any interaction with iPhone or iPod Touch.
    • Reading books is outstanding!
    • The battery life is incredible. You can you use it all day on a single charge.
    • You don’t have to SAVE anything. Yep, that’s right, just hit the Home Button and come back later. It’s still there. Love it!
    • There is nothing to learn. You just use it!
    • The iPad’s inability to multitask is a plus for students. They will learn to focus on the project at hand.
    • Keynote’s ability to place a simulated red laser pointer where you touch is a nice touch.
    • The sheer fact that it holds so much content and can do so much in such a small form. Amazing. Yes, even magical.
    • Amazing Apps! Download the Free and spectacular Dragon Dictation to speak text into your iPad. It is so easy and accurate.
    • You can teach with it! You can actually walk around teaching with the iPad in one arm while displaying notes, plans, grades, etc.

    How can the iPad be Improved for Education?

    • The iPad can’t print. (Teachers need to print stuff.)
    • The iPad Dock Connector to VGA Adapter is horrible for education! Your choices for what you can project is far, far, far too limiting. You can’t share a webpage on the projector, or a book for that matter! (Full review coming soon.)
    • More Educational Apps! (Build them and teachers will buy them. Better yet, give teachers an easier SDK to create our own. Templates?)
    • Textbooks Available on the iBooks Store. (Give it time.)
    • Educators and students need a camera. Student recognition, projects, capturing data, and more. (You put one on the iPod Nano for crying out loud.)
    • iPad to iPad collaboration and interactivity.
    • The ability to work together with Interactive White Board (SmartBoards). Teachers love their SmartBoards.
    • Easier ways to transfer documents. It is difficult to get Pages Documents, Keynote Presentations, Photos, etc, onto and off of them iPad. Not all classrooms allow students to email.

    As I find more teachers reviewing and exploring the use of the iPad in schools I will post them here. What’s your take on the primary uses of the iPad in schools?