Introduction+of+the+iPad


 * Why choose the iPad? **

The educational world is constantly changing and as professionals in the field it should be our responsibility to keep up with these new changes. We can see a trend over the last few years in the educational world of change regarding technology and its implementation in the classroom. This change has taken many forms from the implementation of computer labs, to laptops in the classroom, to the newest and most exciting change: mobile devices.

The mobile device is perhaps the intriguing technology to hit the educational landscape since the chalkboard. Its value to the educational experience is immeasurable and the resources it provides the student are on a level that has yet to be seen in the educational world. The market for mobile devices is currently flooded with options with the two main operating systems coming down to Apple iOS and Android. When selecting between the two systems one should look at all options including: price, reliability, durability, functionality, and quality of product. After examining these factors the choice should be clear, the Apple iPad.

The iPad is a mobile device that allows the user to wirelessly surf the internet, email, and stay connected to the world via a variety of applications. Its screen beautifully shows videos that the user is either streaming or created on their own using the camera that comes standard. The iCloud feature allows seamless access to files across multiple platforms and keeps the user connected at the swipe of a finger.

Now these uses may seem perfect for a person in the business world, and it is, however, when put into the hands of a student the true power of the iPad is unfolded. The device can take a student on a journey that they never before would have been able to make. A trip to the ruins of Rome is only a tap away in the app "Virtual History Roma". Access to historical texts and documents are available at a moments notice. The direction of a frog, or depiction of the anatomy of a human are all available at their finger tips. Their creativity can soar when given apps like iMovie, Keynote, Pages, SonicPics, and more.

These apps are not just resources that a teacher can use in class, they are much more than that. When a student gets an iPad in a school setting, the education they receive is more than just facts, it is a wealth of knowledge that will help them in the future as they enter the working world. Our society is trending more and more toward the complete integration of technology and educators need to help students develop 21 st  century skills. The skills of communication, collaboration, creative thinking, and critical thinking are immensely important in today's working world. The more we can help the students prepare for the future the more service we are doing them. Implementing the iPad in the classroom is the way to accomplish this.

The largest positive contribution that using iPads within the classroom will provide is the essential link to 21 st century learning skills.

The three main components of 21 st  century skills according to P21 are creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, and communication and collaboration. We believe that the opportunities provided for students using the iPad device will align with these critical elements of what makes a successful 21 st  century learner.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">We understand that there may be some hesitation on your part in the implementation process regarding the adaptation of the students to not just the iPads but also the new style of learning the students will be engaged in. Students today are surrounded by technology and are very quick to adapt to it. There will undoubtably be some of your students that are far better at picking up the tricks of the iPad than others. This is something that will come around and if you create an atmosphere of collaboration in the classroom the students will soon start helping each other out navigating through the device. The best part about the iPad is its ease of use. Toddlers have been documented flipping through the navigation with no trouble, while their parents may actually take longer to adapt to the device than the three year old. We can assume that the students of today will pick up on the new technology faster than the adults of today, but we cannot assume that every student will pick it up at the same rate. I suggest a class period or two at the beginning of the year to explain the ins and outs of device so all students can perform the tasks for class. Also, when introducing a new app, it is best for the teacher to model how to use the app in front of the entire class in order to avoid confusion.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">There are going to be some problems you will encounter but they are not to the point of abandoning the idea of implementing the device. With anything students will tend to get distracted while using the iPad. To combat that, the teacher needs to remain active around the classroom to be sure the students are on task with the devices. Implementing the 21 <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive; vertical-align: super;">st <span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;"> century skill of collaboration and communication by using groups and partners will also allow the students to police themselves on keeping each other on task. After using the iPad in my personal classroom the students are remarkably great at staying on task in order to complete their work.

<span style="font-family: 'Comic Sans MS',cursive;">As a teacher who has used the iPad successfully in class I highly suggest that you undertake this venture into the mobile device world. The iPad is a fantastic tool to put into the hands of the students and the teachers of your building!

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