Are iPads Really Practical in The Classroom?
THE
CHARGER
Back in 2010, former CEO of Apple, Steve Jobs, famously made the analogy saying the iPad was like a midsize car and Mac's/PC's are like a truck. Trucks were practical at a time and were what people needed, but when people shifted to living in cities, another means of transportation was necessary, creating the midsize. Just like the midsize cars, there was a need for a device that could handle the in-between tasks. Not every user needs a device that can preform so many functions; he or she just needs something to do everyday, common jobs; thus, the iPad is like a midsize car. According to Jobs, the iPad would eliminate the burden of obtaining such a large product for small tasks.
In the first month following the launch of the iPad, Apple announced it had soled more then one million units (Apple). The device was a major success, shifting the computer market. As it met consumer needs, most people traded in their computers for an iPad. The iPad was revolutionary back then, but with recent technology in computers and phones, is there still a need for iPads in the classroom?
iPads are used in almost every class, but are they really a practical learning tool?
"It doesn't have all the features I need to work effectively in class, simply not practical." Tucker Danon
Providence Day School started to experiment with the second generation iPad in 2011, just a year after the release date. Since computers and phones were advancing at the time, the iPad was a perfect fit in the classroom. With the introduction of the iPad, students could easily create presentations and documents, allowing for more creative collaboration between students and teachers. With iPads, teachers were able to create a more diverse range of assignments, improving how students learned. Before they received the iPads the school chose a computer cart and chargers, which caused much more hassle than was needed with the iPad. Providence Day decided after a couple years of testing, they would implement iPads into the classroom of all middle and upper school students instead of computers.
With these new improvements in smart phones and computers, the iPad started to move out of the professional and education world. School systems like Marvin Ridge and other public schools in the area have seen this change and took notice of it. However, Providence Day still believes iPads are the right choice, but with half of the capabilities, why keep them?
In a interview conducted by The Charger, Matt Scully, the head of technology at Providence Day, has the answer. He says, "the only reason we will ever switch over to a Mac or PC will be if they have touch capabilities. Its proven that students will learn better when they can write or draw out notes with their finger as opposed to just typing on a computer". When you think about it, that makes since, no student would ever take math notes on a computer its just simply not practical. That begs the question why not switch to a Surface or other hybrid laptop/tablet device? Scully tells us "the reason why we would not switch to those is because we are in an Apple universe. To retrain the staff and convert all our other Apple products used in the classroom would be too daring of a task. If Apple were to come out with one of those devices, and it is within our budget there is a possibility we would switch".
Within the first year of implementing them, students loved the iPads, and they really took off in the learning environment. Students were able to read textbooks, create papers, and present, all with the device they could easily carry in their bag. The first couple years were a success, however, as time went on, computer technology grew and the iPad remained consistent. Soon after the new computers and phones came out, students started to bring their own computers to class and left the tablet at home. As for the students who didn't bring a computer, the computer carts were reintroduced into the classrooms. Now, almost every student has swapped out their iPads for their computers. Marin Gallis has completely ditched her iPad, saying “the iPad makes it so much harder to write papers and perform simple tasks in class. I started bringing my own computer to class and it makes the world of a difference when getting my work done”. Other students are saying the same thing in a recent interview with The Charger, junior, Tucker Danon says, “I haven't used the iPad since freshman year. It just doesn't have all the features I need to work effectively in class, simply not practical”.
The reality is the iPad is not as practical for a learning environment as it used to be. Consumers have limited options as to what you can do on it and some of those options are just easier on a computer. The iPad shines in certain activities like taking "handwritten" notes, creating short videos, and making quick presentations. When it come to the more daunting tasks of writing a paper or completing an online assignment, you just need the little something extra like a Mac or PC. Providence Day has made it easy to have access to both products in the classroom, bridging the gap of capabilities between both. Also with Providence Day always trying to stay at the forefront of technology we will not have to worry about a lack of tools to use in class. The iPad was the right decision at the time, but as time goes on the iPad will be obsolete just like the trucks. Thus creating a need for a newer device like the midsize, and Providence Day will be the first to implement it when the time comes.
What will make an iPad shine?
The first practical years
Becoming obsolete
the rise of the midsize
By Connor Thomas
Image Courtesy of Apple
Apple iPad
Image Courtesy of Apple
iPad shown using digital writing app
Image Courtesy of Apple
iPad shown in learning environment