i heart iPad

I'm really excited about the use of iPads in schools! I read lots of articles and the students seem to be just, if not more, excited about the deployment of iPads in the classroom. A school in New Jersey is using iPads in all of the Algebra classes. I struggled in math and could really appreciate the use of technology that is providing students with step by step instruction, instant feedback on questions, and access to over 400 video tutorials. It's like a one on one tutor! Another school in Rhode Island is even using the iPad to evaluate teachers in the classroom. I am interested to know how, but there were no details. The article went on the discuss the benefits of purchasing one book for $6 and downloading it on the other iPads. Students are able to email their homework to teachers... so never again will the "my dog ate my homework" excuse work! Brilliant! This same school also noted there has yet to be any damage to the iPads which proves students are stepping up to the responsibility. A Credit Recovery Program was created using the iPad for distance learning. This was saving high or at risk students from never receiving high school diplomas. A school in California admits that iPads have increased test scores and that students are more engaged, can view work from anywhere and email teachers at anytime. The only disadvantage I read about was the cost of the iPad, but school systems were suggesting local businesses and community organizations could help by donating. All in all, the articles were a convincing argument that iPads are necessary in the education process.

To test out the theory that iPads are necessary, I tried reading from the iPad and discovered all the great features it has to offer! I will say that when I am reading, there is a highlighter  in my right hand and a dictionary in the left. Wa-lah! iPad offers a highlighter and a dictionary with the touch of a screen! Couldn't get much easier than that! And of course the bookmarking feature is a must have. Aside from the reading aspect, I really like that the iPad offers a map application. I can't function without my GPS. Seriously. The other thing I need on a daily basis is a to-do list, aka notepad... well fancy seeing you on the iPad! I really like the facetime application, even though I am a skyper, I know how important this feature is when traveling! Great bonus! This thing has got it all! I'm sold.