From the perspective of a teacher, trainer (or instructional designer for that matter) what’s your reaction to the iPad?
Does it make you curious about anything (e.g., “I wonder how students will…”)?
How can you envision it helping you educate?
Do you worry about any downsides of this technology pervading your learners?
Comment below, please!
I’m pretty sure the iPad will be awesome. And I think the two ‘killer apps’ are the sit-roundability and the fact that you can do more visual thinking on the touchscreen – collaborative mindmapping and process doodles?
http://www.bfchirpy.com/2010/01/ipad-fever-part-1-chunky-and-clunky-are.html
But I’m worried that the Apple approach to openness might be harmful for the messy way that learning works:
http://www.bfchirpy.com/2010/01/ipad-fever-part-2-apple-way-is-not.html
Steve Kinney, from his post today (Jan. 29, 2009) “The iPad and the Problem With Technology in Education”
“The problem is that many devices have come before the iPad that had the ability to revolutionize education, and they didn’t. Not because they weren’t revolutionary, but because we weren’t revolutionary.” http://su.pr/1SM7gZ
To keep it short, I think the iPad is going to be really cool, because it’s easier to use than a “normal” computer. For most learnerss, this alone is a God-send. Finally !
On the other hand, I am very concerned about the independance and freedom for people who build applications for it. We need an open architecture, so that the applications we design can be sustainable.
It has the potential to be a powerful learning aid. Its more hands on and easy to use than a traditional computer which will allow more pupils to get more benefit from it.
Although I cant, in my mind, ever imagine it being widely used in learning establishments at least not any time soon. As one of the above posters mentioned its how we decide to try and use that will determine its impact not the device its self.
I have started using the ipad already for my work . As I work mobile with in the fitness industry. It is great for my clients to see certain things like tracking nutrition can almost be fun
There is a wealth of knowledge and entertainment available for your iPad via ebooks. Why not get involved now and visit… http://www.mypadmediatoday.com
The iPad definitely gives a lot of options for the education section by way of the apps store. However, there’s the issue of price. I think it is way beyond the budget of most schools except technology schools which have a budget for it.
I actually not buyed one but i got it free.Am a student one thing i loved about IPad is i can use it any position! I mean when i am tried(lying on bed) relaxing and so.. The One thing i hate about it was lack of Flash
The fact that the iPad is the size it is makes it a very beneficial tool. The apps capabilities will become a real benefit in ease of access to educational materials. On the other hand it will allow great ease at wasting time and will really test the ingenuity of teachers