iPad and Education- A possible solution to going green and getting results.

Imagine a classroom where textbooks, resources, and interactive lessons could be found in palms of your hands. That classroom is become more and more of a reality. Paperless classrooms are becoming more common, teachers are feeling the pressure to provide exciting and interactive lessons that provide deep meaning and understanding, and technology is providing resources to help. There are many exciting new devices on the market for example, the Asus Eee PC T91MT, but the most exciting device that I have found and currently work with is the Apple iPad. 

Needs: 

• Web browsing
• Paperless alternative to textbooks 
• Ability to access videos on demand
• Notes can be taken right on the screen they are researching from.
• Beautiful presentations can be created 

Bonuses:

• Apps- there are countless applications that can be used (most are free) with students to promote a complete understanding. Some if these seem like games, the students don't know any better and yet they are completely engaged in what they are learning.    
• Interactive hands on interface- students get to used their hands they are up close and personal with the work assigned.  
• Finger tip dictionary- should a student not understand a word while reading they simply highlight the word and touch the dictionary button and up pops a complete definition. 
• Continuous updates- Apple is fantastic at updating all it's devices so that everyone is up to date at all times (again this is also free)   

Drawbacks:

• Cost- clearly the biggest drawback of this device in the realm of education. 
• Memory- as the memory increase so to does the cost and even at 64 gigs a lot of people may argue that this device simply lacks in the memory department.  

Now I understand I may not have covered everything on this topic. But I really believe that this technology shows promise and will figure prominently in the ever change landscape of education in the technological age.

 

8-9 year old students mesmerized by the iPad. 

Finally, what I want to know is what you think...

1.  Would you use it in your classroom? 
2. Is there a need for paperless classrooms?
3. Is this a viable alternative to textbooks?
4. Are there any other pros or cons I missed?