Below is a research paper I wrote about iPad and iTouch technology, which is an emerging technology that is being used in the classroom. The paper discusses ways in which this technology can be used in the classroom and describes some of the relative advantages of this technology. When technology is integrated into the classroom it makes learning more fun for not only the students but also the teachers.
Description of Technology
The technology behind the Apple iPad has been around for many years, although the iPad was recently introduced in April of this year. The iPad is the latest version of a Tablet PC and perfect for audio and visual media. The iPad utilizes a 9.7 inch fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coated touch screen interface. The iPad is powered by a 1GHz Apple A4 processor that is a redesigned version of the operating system used on an iPod Touch and an iPhone. The iPad is available with 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB flash drive, and is equipped with a lithium battery that will last up to 10 hours surfing the web, watching videos, or listening to music. The iPad was designed for optimal display of books, magazines, movies, and music. You are also able to sync it with your computer the same way you would an iPod using iTunes. The iPad comes equipped with WiFi capability but does not have the option of Ethernet or USB ports. Parental controls are standard on the iPad, a definite plus for the classroom. The iPad is available from Apple and most major retailers. (http://www.apple.com)
Educational Applications
The Apple iPad offers a wide variety of educational applications for use in the classroom. Currently, there are thousands of applications available to download at http:www.apple.com which can be used for any subject. These educational applications allow students to keep up with their assignments, take notes in class, and study for exams. Also, teachers can utilize the applications to present lessons, monitor progress of their students, and keep files and materials organized. (http://www.apple.com) Apple has its own office applications called iWork that allow users to make a presentation, create a spreadsheet, or write on a document. Keynote is the processor used to create presentations equipped with animations and visual effects. Numbers allows the user to construct tables and charts using spreadsheets. Pages is Apple’s word processor that allows you to type with an onscreen keyboard. Finally, the iPad is equipped with iBooks which allows the user to download books and store PDF’s such as classroom handouts and worksheets. (http://www.apple.com)
Recently, Duke University has adapted the use of the iPod as an educational tool that allows students access to school iPod server. Duke Professors are using Tablet PC to enhance their teaching methods, from drawing sketches, to allowing students to see the methods used in creating charts and graphs. The students can download course lectures, historical speeches and even tutorials. (Belanger, 2005) The iPad could be and probably is being used in the same method as a traditional iPod. Students can use these type devices to record a lecture for future review, take notes in class, and utilize many other applications for educational purposes.
Central Elementary School in Escondido, California is using this technology to improve their fluency and comprehension. The teacher is using the iPod Touch to record students reading a passage in an allotted period of time to track the student’s progress in reading comprehension. This technology has made it easy for students to track their own progress and has shown improvement in fluency and reading comprehension. Another group of fourth grade students are also using the iPod Touch and its technology at Central Elementary for the morning announcements. These fourth graders record students and teachers, edit their recording by adding effects with the software, and create a podcast that is updated daily and broadcasted in their school system. (“Improving Literacy”, 2010)
Educational Research
Since the iPad is a relatively new device to the market place, a lot of the relevant research I found was on the use of Tablet PC’s and iPods, but I think that the concepts will hold true for this device. Research suggests that the use of a Tablet PC or iPad can enhance student interaction and engagement in the classroom. The Tablet PC allows for the electronic storage of documents that includes ink annotation, which reduces the need for hard copies of many documents including graded student assignments. (Yost, 2007) This technology allows the teacher to save classroom lessons and post them on the class website for future viewing. The Tablet PC has allowed the teacher to replace the traditional dry-erase boards with a hand held electronic device. Studies have shown that the uses of these electronic devices have been proven effective and beneficial in the classroom. The Northern Lights Public School and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, are just some examples of schools currently using Tablet PC’s in the classroom. The Northern Lights Public School was a new school built with wireless networking and the use of these type devices in mind. One hundred percent of history classes are taught using a Tablet PC, and ninety percent of math, science, and language classes are equipped with this technology. (Reid, 2004) Beginning in 2007, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University requires all incoming engineering freshman to purchase a Tablet PC. (Yost, 2007)
The iPad not only allows the teacher to display lessons via an electronic device, but also engages the student through media and technology. A major goal of many of the applications is to take advantage of the iPad's unique interface and allow students to interact and engage with curriculum. The iPad is equipped with many applications that may be utilized in the classroom to engage the learner. Some of the applications include; wireless connectivity to enhance individual study and group collaboration, serve as a mobile platform for gathering data, touch interface to help represent complex data and processes in a visual context, and designing and applying electronic textbooks. (Gosney, 2010)
Relative Advantage
The iPad is a media player, an internet browser, iBook, and can be loaded with thousands of applications. Applications are available from Rosetta Stone to Google docs. With this variety of applications available, students in one classroom are able to access different applications during one class period. One group of students could practice French, while another group of students watch a PBS Special on climate change, and a third group of students practice Algebra equations. The teacher can use the device for visual and media applications such as Brian Pop and audio applications such as the president’s inaugural speech. The iPad is as simple to use as the Tablet PC and the relative advantages of this device are only limited by the imagination of the user.
Personal Thoughts
I think that the iPad is a great tool to use in the educational setting. The teacher can use the iPad to store class materials, lessons, and student files. There are also many educational applications offered on the Apple website to engage the learner in any subject area. Use of these applications in the classroom benefits all types of learners. The visual and audio learners benefit from presentations and media, while the kinesthetic learner would benefit from educational gaming applications offered on the iPad. The iPad can also be used with a Smart Board to allow the teacher and students to interface with the technology during a lesson. The students love the Smart Board and the technology it offers and the iPad would add an enhancement to this technology. There are also some disadvantages of the iPad. This device could become a distraction in the classroom because of the abundance of applications available to users. Also, overreliance on the device could lead to the students losing the ability to use a pen and paper effectively.
References
Belanger, Y. (June 2005). Duke University iPod First Year Experience Final Evaluation Report. Duke University. Retrieved from http://cit.duke.edu/pdf/reports/ipod_initiative_04_05.pdf
Gosney, J. (September 2010). Project: Faculty Learning Communities: Exploring innovative teaching and learning with the Apple iPad. Indiana University. Retrieved from http://uits.iu.edu/page/azxr
Improving Literacy with iPod Touch. (2010). Retrieved October 17, 2010 from http://www.apple.com/education/stories/escondido/
Reed, R. (January 2004). Tablet PC’s Go to School. Retrieved from http://www.pcworld.com/article/114383/tablet_pcs_go_to_school.html
Yost, S. (2007). Using a Tablet PC to Enhance Instruction and Productivity. University of Detroit Mercy. Retrieved from http://www.vcu.edu/cte/programs/instructional_technology/tablet_PC_prog/TabletPC_EnhanceInstructionProductivity.pdf
