Limitations+of+the+iPads+with+solutions

With any technology, even as incredible as the iPad, there are some limitations. After working with this device for a semester, I have run into a few restrictions, but most are easily overcome. As a history teacher, I believe it is essential to have students write extended responses in class. It is interesting to note that I feel that I am getting longer and more detailed responses when students are using iPads, which is fantastic; however, one of the most common complaints from the students is that they do not like typing on the iPad. I myself have no issue with typing on the device, as I have been able to master “ten finger typing” on it. The students, however, seem to not be picking this skill up as quickly as I did. Thus I can certainly understand their frustration with typing out longer assignments using the “hunt and peck” method.

There are two ways to alleviate this problem. The solution I suggest would be to limit the writing to around twenty sentences max, as that seems to be the point when the students wear down. For extended writing assignments, utilizing the school’s computer lab is the best option. I have found that combining the iPad as an information resource and using the computer as the word processor works fantastically well.

The second solution costs a little extra, but may very well be worth it if access to a computer lab is hard to come by. The purchase of Bluetooth keyboards for the iPads eliminates this problem. If I could go back to June when my administration asked me what I would need to complete this “dream classroom” I would make keyboards a necessary part of the purchase. There are a number of different options on the market and the school must choose what option works best for their needs. What seems to make the most sense to me would be the purchase of a case that contains a keyboard in it. I must stress here to buy only one at first and make sure it fits in the cart. The first cases that our school bought for the iPads did not fit in the cart and created quite a problem! By using a keyboard, the students will be able to take full advantage of the word processing apps the iPad has to offer, and use of the computer lab will no longer be necessary.

The iPad offers a school a tremendous opportunity to also go away from a paper based classroom. With the students being able to do all of their work online, there is a huge reduction in the use of paper. The problem now becomes, how do the students get the information to the teacher? I have a couple solutions. The best way that we have utilized is by using a Moodle system. This online system allows the teacher to put all of his or her assignments online in detailed fashion and provides the ability to post links and submission boxes for students to enter and turn in to the teacher. I highly recommend this option.

The second option is to have the students turn in their work via email. This option works, but proves more difficult to keep track of assignments and grades. I would recommend using this option when having the students submit larger assignments and projects. Although Moodle allows files to be uploaded to the server, the iPad does not have this feature.

Another limitation on the iPad is the inability to have multiple windows/apps open at the same time. This can prove difficult when students research on the device. To combat this problem I have come up with a couple different solutions. The first seems a little old school for such a high tech classroom, but it is a necessary skill that should still be developed, and that is the use of a notebook. Students take notes on the information that they find and then transfer those notes into Moodle in the form of the assignment.

The other solution would be to use partners. I have found this to be effective on multiple levels as it engages the students, promotes collaboration and communication, along with eliminating a drawback of the iPad. The process that I have developed allows for one student to have the information open on his or her iPad while the other acts as a documenter for the team. The students seem to respond very well to this method and the written responses that I have received are very acceptable.

Lastly a problem that any classroom with iPads will encounter at some point will be the wireless. I stated before how to shore up your wireless network to eliminate most of your connection issues, but the iPads can still be temperamental from time to time. I suggest that the teacher become very familiar with the settings on the iPad including the wifi. A few simple fixes for this issue include toggling the WiFi on-off switch, most of the time this simple act will be just enough to reconnect appropriately. Another fix is to “reset network settings.” This will take a little longer but often this is an easy fix. The last and simplest fix involves just leaving the iPad alone. If a student complains he cannot connect to the network, have him replace the iPad with another from the cart and nine times out of ten that iPad will not have the issue by the time the next class comes in. I cannot explain why or how this works, but it does.

To summarize, the benefits of the iPad clearly outweigh the limitations. With a little problem solving, having a high level of patience, and being diligent with the devices these issues are easily overcome.