Why+-+The+One+iPad+Classroom


 * Why Have a One iPad Classroom? **

It’s easy to get sucked into the consumer aspect of the iPad. It’s flashy and shiny and looks really cool. But does this machine hold educational benefits within the classroom?  There is actually very little evidence out there that supports the iPad in the classroom. The reason? This is a brand new technology. Unlike computers and laptops that found their way into the classroom after being successful in the business world, the iPad has no preceding reputation. It’s purpose is still being defined in the classroom. But what we do know is that the iPad can be used for communication, productivity and gaming on one portable device and it is up to the educator to define the iPad's purpose within their own classroom. (Pepperdine, 2011)

 The lack of evidence and the iPad's hefty price (over $500) gives critics plenty of ammunition. Larry Cuban, a professor emeritus of education at Stanford University, argues “there is very little evidence that kids learn more, faster or better by using these machines” (Hu, 2011). He goes on to suggest that iPads will engage students for a time. But that the novelty will wear off. And teachers will still be dealing with teaching and learning.    But evidence supporting iPads in the classroom is growing.  

 Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) announced the results of a yearlong pilot in January of 2012. This study tracked the assessments of two groups at a middle school in California. Each group used the same HMH algebra curriculum. However, one group used the //HMH Fuse// app, a complete algebra curriculum on an iPad. The control group used the same curriculum only in book form. The content was the same, the interactions with the content were different.

On the spring 2011 California Standards Tests, 78% of students that were part of the iPad group scored proficient or advanced. This is compared to the 59% of their textbook-using peers. A difference of almost 20%! Teachers found that students using the iPad curriculum took more initiative to do work. They took the time to reread the and watch lesson videos to aid in understanding, because the curriculum was engaging and available on their iPad. (Bowling, 2012)  The iPad curriculum was also useful for teachers. They could assess their students in real time. Thus, allowing them to tailor their instruction according to student needs.  At the elementary level, kindergartners in Auburn, Maine have gotten in on the research for the iPad for the 2011-2012 school year. About half of the districts 266 kindergartners were instructed on and used iPads. The students were randomly assigned and each student was tested before and after the iPads were brought into the classroom. Students with access to the iPads have outperformed the non-iPad group in all areas of the literacy testing. Susan Dorris is a principal at an Auburn school. She explains that the contribution of the iPad goes beyond increased test scores, "We are seeing high levels of student motivation, engagement and learning in the iPad classroom" (Dalrymple, 2012).  <span style="background-color: transparent; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: #ffffff; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">So the data supporting increased test scores in iPad classrooms is growing. But the question remains, "why should you have an iPad"? Ask a teacher who is using an iPad in the classroom. They will tell you. Students are engaged and motivated. Students are excited about playing games - with hidden agendas like basic math skills and working with words. Students express their creativity. And teachers are loving the ability to bring the world to their students. It's a quick and handy resource. If you have a specific educational need, there are over 500,000 iPad apps available and that number is growing. If there isn't an app for what you need, there will be. The iPad isn't just a fad or shiny new toy, "but rather a powerful and versatile tool with a multitude of applications, including thousands with educational uses". (Hu, 2011). <span style="background-color: transparent; display: block; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Read on to find out How the One iPad Classroom can work!

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