For many schools this year, the dream of having iPads in the classroom turned into a reality. Some schools have brought them in through 1:1 initiatives and other seen them start to flood in after implementing BYOD policies. As with anything else, teachers have seen some pros and cons with this cool, new classroom technology. Here’s a list of some things to expect with iPads in the classroom.
Pros
1. Students love them
This one’s pretty obvious, but they really do. iPads in the classroom will get even the most stubborn students excited and engaged.
2. Good battery life
This is one of my favorite things about it! My phone won’t even last me through the day but my iPad never lets me down. This mobile device will make it through the whole school day without dying, which is essential for school use.
3. Apps galore
The iPad has the ability to interact with a variety of apps. There seems to be an app for everything these days, and the number of educational apps just keeps growing.
4. Platform for e-textbooks
iPads can pretty much eliminate the need for textbooks. Yay, no more back-breaking book bags! Plus, e-books save tons of trees and they are more up-to-date.
5. Communication tool
Have any shy students not willing to speak out in class? Using iPads in the classroom can help fix that. You can use them as a polling tool or let students ask questions or make comments during lectures and address them either as they come or after the lecture. With the iPad students can communicate the teachers and other students instantly.
6. Great content viewer
The iPad is the perfect mobile device for viewing content. It really is a great way to experience the web, watch podcasts and videos, read books, and do research.
7. User-friendly to students with disabilities
There are many apps for students with cognitive disabilities. It has really been useful for students with who have problems with communication skills like autism.
8. Light-weight and portable
The iPad is much more lightweight than a book bag full of textbooks, notebooks, and binders. Students can cram all that into the iPad and easy take it with them anywhere.
9. Fast and easy to use
The touch interface and app system on the iPad makes it easy to access learning tools. It’s “ON” instantly, and the apps open just as fast. It’s simple and easy, perfect for even younger students.
Cons
1. Doesn’t support flash
One of the biggest criticisms of the iPad is its lack of ability to work with Adobe Flash and Javascript. A lot of content in schools and websites for kids are dominated by Flash. Although, some argue that the abundance of educational apps make up for it.
2. No USB port
The iPad has largely been positioned by Apple as a companion device to computers even though many people use them to do everything they normally do on a computer.
3. Lack of multi-tasking
Multiple windows and files can’t be kept open side by side. Although this is definitely a negative if you are trying to multi-task, it may be good for keeping your students focused on the one thing they are supposed to be doing.
4. Expensive
Many schools find the iPad is just too expensive. One solution to ease some of the financial burden would be to allow BYOD or even for schools to purchase the cheaper iPad mini instead.
5. Potential to be distracting
Of course there is the possibility of student being distracted and wondering onto other sites.
6. Lack of production capabilities
As I started earlier the iPad is a great content viewer, but unfortunately it’s not as great for content creation. It’s better for light writing.
7. Typing is sometimes frustrating
Steve Jobs once said, “typing on the iPad is a dream.” Well, in truth, it is not a dream. It is not like a computer keyboard, which makes it difficult to type longer emails or documents. I much prefer a real keyboard any day. Syncing your iPad to an Apple wireless keyboard is a great idea if you’re going to be doing a lot of typing.
8. Not good for sharing
iPads were designed to be personal devices. With the incapability to enter logins, each student needs his/her own. Personal information can't be stored if students are sharing iPads.
Saying all of this I think these mobile devices make great learning tools. I think that the positives of the device make it worth the negatives. Having iPads in the classroom can be very exciting for teachers and students. Just make sure you are planning and implementing them correctly.
