OK, I don’t like the name (iTablet or iSlate are much cooler sounding) but I think the iPad bashers have got it wrong and that this new device has the potential to change education. While many journalists are complaining about the $499 price tag, I keep thinking wow, only $499, that’s half the price of laptops!
Reasonable Expectations/ Reasonable Price Tag
First, you need to understand that the iPad is not a laptop. You will need a traditional laptop if you want all the functionality of a laptop. The iPad is a cross between an iPod touch and a laptop lite. The iPad is sufficient for 90% of classrooms who need a computer only to do word processing and internet browsing. In a perfect world, classrooms will still have at least one MacBook or iMac somewhere in the room but at $499 you can put more Apple computers in the hands of students at the half the price of what it would have cost you yesterday (the entry level iBook is about $999).
Advantages In Addition to Cost
1. Battery life is much longer than existing laptops and more akin to the iPod battery life.
2. Many of the shortcomings that analysts point to in terms of lack of complexity in the operating system are advantages in the classroom. Unlike a traditional computer, the iPad should require very little setup, troubleshooting, maintenance. Like your iPhone, the iPad should just run. In classrooms without tech support, this is fantastic.
3. Tactile computing. Students now just touch need to touch the screen to select what they want. This is intuitive and satisfying. It would be as easy to touch an English Language Learner or my grandmother as it would be to teach a computer scientist.
The Future
There are some features missing that are already on my iPad wishlist. This is a typical 1.0 version of the iPad. Remember when the iPhone came out it didn’t have third party apps, voice activation, or turn by turn navigation. I didn’t get an iPhone until version 3. I’m not really an early adopter. I personally would wait for future versions of the iPad before jumping in. However, if you’re ready, none of the missing features are a deal breaker for the classroom.
No camera? Does every student need a camera at his/her desk? Would every student be videoconferencing simultaneously?
No multi-tasking? Do students really work on two assignments at once? Applications like Safari do save your place when you switch out of them and then come back for purposes of research. People who have never used the iPhone don’t understand how you can live without multi-tasking, but trust me, you can.
No 16X9. This is a bummer if your watching a lot of high def movies but in the classroom, who cares?
No Adobe flash when visiting web sites. This is too bad but there’s no Flash on the iPhone and it hasn’t really bothered me. I suspect it’s coming to Apple’s mobile devices if you can be patient. Most sites will run fine without Flash.
If you need any of those things then you still have the option of getting a laptop. Again, temper your expectations, this is a netbook and not a full-fledged computer.
If money and lack of tech support have been holding your school back from adopting technology. This is a great first step in a positive direction.
Your Thoughts
What do you think of the new iPad and its potential in your classroom?
My two points of concern for using it in the classroom are being able to recover the device – can you use more than one computer to reload it or does it get locked to one? – and software licensing – how could you load a class set of softwareX onto the ‘pads using only a single host library?
Otherwise, I think this is certainly a great tool for the classroom – once you get supersized screen protectors for it as well.
I agree – the iPod/iPhones we are used to today are still sold as though they would be used by one person on one computer. Our school is interested in iPads as textbook replacements as part of a one to one program – but Apple should start to contact schools as far as pilot programs go – how do we deploy 40 iPads in a classroom? How would you remotely manage them? Can our school license 40 copies of iWork so that students can download it? etc
@Mr. Lopez, you need to find out who the Apple representative for your school is. I don’t think Apple is going to randomly contact you about implementing a mobile program. There were several great workshops at the CUE conference on mobile education. One fantastic resource you should check out is https://sites.google.com/a/eusd.org/eusd-iread/ I’m working on compiling more resources that may be of help.
You can currently sync any number of iPods/iPhones to a single computer and load the same apps to all of them.
I’m not sure what you mean by “recover the device.” Do you mean theft recovery?
My take on using the iPad in our public schools:
1. Not useful for textbooks until all California textbooks are
available in ePub format. God knows how long that will take, given
the California legislature’s reluctance to do anything serious. The
current law just signed in January, SB 48 (Alquist), only makes
digital versions mandatory for postsecondary textbooks and has a
deadline (watch it slip!) of 2020. I bet the 2020 iPad will be a lot
more capable than the one offered today…
2. Not useful for Windows and Mac-based educational sofware titles
until software publishers convert them to iPad-SDK formats. In my
experience educational software publishers like to sit on their
content and do as little development and upgrading as possible. Also
it’s a little early to figure out how this device would accomodate
volume licenses. If they follow the iTunes / iPhone store model,
you’ll have to buy software or content on a per-device basis. Unless
it’s “Free”, schools probably won’t want to pay for this content.
(Same applies to textbooks). Right now I’m trying to get Spanish
language software on a mobile device for my 8th grade Spanish teacher.
It runs on Windows or Macs, but requires 1024 x 768 display
resolution. So I have to go with more expensive netbooks to get that
higher res (netbooks that will end up costing almost as much as the
iPad, but that will have a video camera at least). The software
(EuroTalk) is very nice, but what incentive does the publisher have to
convert it to the web (without Flash!) or to the iPad SDK?
3. Not useful for (some? most elementary level?) educational software
websites, because they use Flash.
4. Not useful for PowerSchool teacher grading, etc. because it uses
Java Web Start.
5. Somewhat useful for drawing, editing, etc–the iLife / iWork type
of activity. But will be a big hassle if every iPad in the school
needs a dongle, headphones, external keyboard, USB / Bluetooth camera,
etc. These will get lost and broken real quick.
6. Definitely useful for open source-ish or non-Flash based sites:
Google Docs, Moodle, blogs, wikis, etc.
–Peter Zingg, Kentfield School District
1. I’m not even considering the ebook capabilities of the device. Any capabilities that it does have in that area I’d consider a bonus.
2. Currently, an iWork volume license costs $250 for a school site (up to 500 seats). I would assume that the iPad licenses would either be included or be an extra $250 for the entire school. That’s cheaper than if you and I and two of our closest friends were to go in to the Apple store and buy a copy of iWork for each of us. (Update: $250 iWork license no longer available at that price but most iPhone/iPad apps are in the free-$10 range and can be installed on multiple mobile devices but only one computer).
3. Very useful for blogging, writing, keynoting which is what I’d be using it for on the elementary level.
It’s still more expensive than XP/Win 7 Netbooks. The lack of flash means I still need computers for Starfall/PBS kids, so it doesn’t replace them. If you’re using it for writing, Neos are being marked down to $150 to make them more attractive in a world where netbooks go for $200-$300. I know your in Appleland down in LAUSD, but for a school district on windows platforms, what’s compelling? The advantage I see is the more intuitive UI and the multi touch, I’m not convinced myself that this is enough, but if I was in an Apple district it would look more attractive.
I have my own post up at: http://mizmercer.edublogs.org/2010/02/07/to-ipad-or-not-to-ipad/
I enjoyed your post. In addition to user interface, there is a lack of viruses, spyware, and technical troubleshooting to run the iPod Touch/iPhone/iPad software. If you’re someone who’s happy with your Windows netbooks then I really don’t think the iPad is for you. The price of all the devices, of course, will come down in time.
I think this device may finally break the textbook companies. State or national groups of teachers could create open-source online, interactive textbooks.
As a media teacher, I see it as a useful way to view/control cameras – there will be an app for that. I can also see it as a great reporters tool for audio, notes, etc.
I feel like the fact that the iPad is well soaked in DRM it will be very difficult for teachers will use it. i think the technology will be useful for teachers but the DRM factor will slow down adoption of the technology.
What DRM are you talking about?
The fact that you are completely restricted to their appstore with the iPhone OS. You are restricted to only what Apple wants you to have for the time that apple will allow it to exist and some of them come with a price. 🙂 Just standard apple stuff.
I doubt that many teachers would feel inhibited by the 140 thousand apps available from the app store and most would find it an advantage that all the software has been vetted to eliminate inappropriate material and apps that just don’t work.
The app store approval process certainly has not slowed down the adoption of the iPhone.
I know conspiracy theories are fun but other than Google Voice, can you point to an app that Apple has restricted you from using?
I teach 11th grade AP English and 11 Regents. I love the idea of the iPad, but will not be buying until it has integrated handwriting recognition in iWork and in the eBook reader. This is for two reasons:
1. I grade around sixty 8-page student essays every two weeks. I grade another 75 shorter essays every week. I carry an inordinate amount of loose student work to and from school. I would love to be able to have my students send me copies of their work and have it all uploaded onto the tablet. I would need to be able to handwrite my comments / symbols on the student work I am grading. I am not thrilled with the virtual keyboard and I’ve tried using the post-it feature in Pages before for grading student work. It was too clumsy and time consuming. I could hook it up to my projector and we could workshop essays in real time and then PDF the students’ work back.
2. I use two different Norton anthologies, a Norton photography textbook, an 11th grade English text, and between 10 – 12 smaller novels. I’ve spent years annotating these books with comments, questions, etc. I’d love the idea of having all my course texts on an iPad, but only if I could handwrite in marginalia.
I envision this happening in a later version, but for now I’ll have to wait on trading my overloaded shoulder bag filled with dog-earred texts and student work for a sleek iPad loaded with everything I need.
The iPad is not only cheaper than classroom PCs, but the creative environment of app development will do amazing things. I’m a teacher and a developer, and I have a bunch of great ideas for the next version of Hot Seat App for Teachers. The iPad is just an oversized iPod touch, but that’s the point. http://awzone.com/hotseat
As a student currently in my junior year of college I am finding out that what my idea of technology in the classroom is drastically changing from what we use in my college classes now and what we used in my high school. I come from an area where more than one computer lab in our school is a drastic improvement. I feel that the price alone, the capabilities as well as the potential of this device would put more technology in schools who do not have money enough to supply every teacher with their own computer. I agree with what was said before it would be more convenient for a teacher to take home and ipad rather than load themselves up with student’s work as well as other books needed to prepare themselves for the next day.
Great discussion about the topic of iPad’s being used in education. My two cents on how iPad will change education can be found at http://www.edutechnophobia.com/2010/02/six-ways-the-ipad-will-transform-education/
Thanks for your entry to the Carnival of Educators
I do agree the iPad has potential, but this is definitely a version 1. I am awaiting version 2 with a camera, etc. before declaring it revolutionary.
http://kansaitech.com/blog/?p=345
Shawn
I’m also an educator thinking of the possibilities of the Ipad in the classroom. If it were the only device coming in this form factor with those options I would jump all over it. There is no real replacement for the ipod touch and itunes for what it does.
A couple of days ago I learned about Notion E-ink Tablet. Its one of the first devices that will use that new screen that can switch between color and reader format. (I know I would feel uncomfortable assigning a long reading assignment on an LCD screen. Try reading a novel on an LCD screen. Its not fun) It would seem infinitely more useful to me for many reasons 1. built in rotating camera. 2. flash support 3. can be used in direct sunlight and as a reader 4. outputs to TV and can hook up to devices using its USB and HDMI ports. No need for any specialized adapters 5. Incredible battery life 6. SD card slot for infinite expandability
The only thing missing from it would be Itunes. For me I know which I would choose for the classroom. I would definitely keep using my iphone or ipod touch for mobile but for around the living room and in the classroom I would choose the Inmotion device
Watch the video at the bottom here http://gizmodo.com/5471559/notion-ink-adam-tablet-caught-on-video-specs-finalized
Thanks for the video, I watched it.
1. Without iTunes, you lose all access to the app store and the hundreds of apps available there.
2. I would want to know who I would get support from in using this product from a company I’ve never heard of. It’s not like you can sit down at a Notion Genius Bar and get support when something goes wrong.
3. I personally am not that focused on the iPad as an e-reader. I’m more interested in having students create product on it then read books. Let’s face it, there are less expensive ways of bringing books to students and I’m a little old fashioned in that I still want to teach my first graders what a book cover and spine is. I view the book reading capability as a bonus and not the main event.
I agree the Itunes store is wonderful. You have thousands and thousands of applications. I own an Ipod Touch and I think its a great device.
I’m confused though as to the tangible benefit of owning the Ipad over that device in the video. What specifically would you want to create that you couldn’t create with open source software? (that device is running I believe Android/Linux so I would guess you would have access to every open source app on the planet. Certainly the details of the OS on that device need to be clarified.
As for support if something goes wrong? I wonder how many people have used Apple support for the Ipod touch? Are you counting on things going wrong with your Ipad?
As an English teacher I would absolutely love for every student to have a mobile camera in a tablet like what they showed in the video to create presentations, record things in class, etc. I would also love to assign reading in class with the device and not worry about eye strain.
Also with standard USB slots its easy to add things like keyboards. What would I do with the Ipad? Shell out $80 for adapters and a keyboard for each student?
If I want my students to create written work I would much rather they worked on a device that would not cause eye strain.
If I wanted to create audio what are my options? With USB ports and Linux/Android you could literally hook up full fledged keyboards or any other musical instrument with capabilities of hooking up to a computer. It would seem much more useful as a school wide platform.
So to refresh….from what I can see the Ipad will limit you severely in the classroom because 1. no camera means no video creation or presentation 2. limited or expensive keyboard option means limited written word creation capabilities 3. no USB ports means limited/expensive audio creation capabilities.
I for one couldn’t go to my school board demanding what would be a huge sum of money for Ipads and for future purchases from the Itunes store considering all the compromises it makes.
>Are you counting on things going wrong with your Ipad?
Actually, no but I have heard of failure rates of as much as 30% from districts that have gone with Netbooks and that’s what I’d like to avoid. The true cost of ownership is never just the cost of the computer, you need to consider the cost of the computer and the cost (time and money) in terms of support.
>If I want my students to create written work I would much rather they worked on a device that would not cause eye strain.
Oh, please. I’m on a computer creating written work all day long and I’m doing fine. If what you want is an e-book reader then I’ve already agreed there may be better options but if you’re talking about blogging and presentation creation there is no disadvantage to a backlit screen. In fact, with elementary age students I am sure part of the allure comes from that color screen. I was impressed by my mom’s Kindle but I doubt my first graders would be.
> If I wanted to create audio what are my options?
The built in microphone.
> limited or expensive keyboard option
The keyboard on the device is built in. There are classrooms using the iPod Touch for blogging and their output is quite extensive. The larger keyboard on the iPad would only enhance their productivity. An additional keyboard really isn’t necessary.
Here’s a sampling of educational apps available already for the device. Most of these are free or 2-3 dollars for up to 40 iPads:
https://sites.google.com/a/eusd.org/eusd-iread/ipod-apps
No offense but I’m not out to impress the kids with the tech. I want something that has the functions that serve the interests of the students, the teachers and a school as a whole. Interests would be from straight reading to content creation across every class. They don’t have to want to carry it around with them outside of the school and show off the pretty label.
As I said I use an Ipod Touch everyday and I absolutely love it so its not like I’m saying the Ipad is a bad thing at all. From what I’ve seen its not going to have the options that would make me jump up in front of a school board and say ‘We NEED this.’ I’ll leave that for others, I guess.
While I’m not going to jump and buy the first generation iPad that comes out, I am very excited to see how this little piece of equipment can influence learning in the information age. I sincerely hope that it’ll revolutionize classroom learning in the 21st century.
Perhaps, that’s too much to ask, and it’ll take generations of the iPad (or variations thereof) to complete the revolution. But I have high hopes that it’ll improve the quality of education materials and lower its costs.
Oh here is something that everyone interested in ipod or ipad in the classroom should read and consider. http://learninginhand.com/blog/classroom-ipod-touches-dos-and-donts.html
A list of do’s and don’t s. I have it bookmarked.
I am a Kindergarten teacher in Vermont and use a lot of technology in my classroom. The tools have encouraged and engaged 5 year olds and their families, extended to share and collaborate usinig wikis, blogs, podcasting, voicethreads, glogs, etc. I am writing a grant to hopefully get ipads for my Kindergarten clasroom in the fall of 2010. Has anyone used them in their classroom? Please share
Touch interface and tablets will be part of the future. It is only a mater of time before the software is ready for education. Many children now have ipods, Nintendo and other handheld devices. Children are learning from entertainment technology. We really need to improve the technology used in education. Tablets are a step in the right direction.
HomeschoolTablet