The Importance of Planning
A plan is necessary in order to use iPads and other tablets to their full potential. Soliman (2012) sees five steps for appropriate employment of iPads in schools. These are:
1. Understanding of how they are going to be used
2. Understand security restrictions and the implications for learning
3. Understand student learning types - independent, research, teacher-led etc.
4. Choose a wide variety of apps and content to stimulate effective learning
5. Enjoy using the iPad platform (p. 7).
By doing background research and planning out how, when and why you will be using the iPads, schools will be better prepared. Soliman (2012) also suggests that following a pilot scheme might be the easiest route to integration and one that seems to have worked for schools in the past. This may start with one classroom, move to a grade level and eventually to all staff and students (Walsh, 2012). A pilot scheme makes overseeing implementation more manageable as a gradual introduction of iPads. It would also make it easier to deal with any issues or problems that may arise.
1. Understanding of how they are going to be used
2. Understand security restrictions and the implications for learning
3. Understand student learning types - independent, research, teacher-led etc.
4. Choose a wide variety of apps and content to stimulate effective learning
5. Enjoy using the iPad platform (p. 7).
By doing background research and planning out how, when and why you will be using the iPads, schools will be better prepared. Soliman (2012) also suggests that following a pilot scheme might be the easiest route to integration and one that seems to have worked for schools in the past. This may start with one classroom, move to a grade level and eventually to all staff and students (Walsh, 2012). A pilot scheme makes overseeing implementation more manageable as a gradual introduction of iPads. It would also make it easier to deal with any issues or problems that may arise.
Another necessary component for implementation involves faculty training and support. In schools where iPads have been used successfully, Walsh (2012) discovered that faculty were committed to training and that training was supplemented with extensive material and one-on-one support. Walsh (2012) referencesan example of one principal’s successful experience as a school leader during this process. David Mahaley is a principal of the Franklin Academy High School in Wake Forest, NC and his school is an example of a school where iPads were successfully implemented. He feels that iPads cannot be integrated successfully without consistent professional development, modeling of best practices and commitment (Walsh, 2012). If iPads are to become the learning tool they have the potential to be, administrators, like Mahaley, need to continue to model good practices and provide the continued support and training teachers need in order to feel confident incorporating this learning technology into their classroom.
Cost Issues
“The iPad holds amazing potential for classroom use. Unfortunately, it also can cost more than $500 when you factor in 3G access and a budget for apps. But don’t dismiss the iPad because you think you can’t afford a classroom set. Just a few—or even only one—is enough to get results. Having a class set promotes traditional, whole-class instruction, but fewer iPads facilitate individualized and tailored instruction" (Bennett, 2011, p. 23).
Apple Education offers special pricing for educators, students, and schools purchasing Apple products, such as iPads. While a class set of iPads can be expensive, here are some options that can help get teachers started with little cost:
1. Have students bring in their own device (BYOD) if that has been approved by the school. Many students own tablets or other devices and this should allow for students to have their own device or be able to work in small groups.
2. Consider fundraising in order to raise money for a class set. Schools can get parent volunteers to organize a silent auction or other community event. Having everyone involved will help provide a connection between the school, home and community.
Other Potential Challenges of iPads
Outside of the initial financial cost of purchasing iPads, the deployment of iPads in any classroom can present some challenges for teachers, administrators and students. Some of these include:
- Time required for setting up and syncing school iPads.
- Having to share devices amongst an entire school. Teachers may therefore not get to use the iPads everyday, or for the length of time they would ideally like. As students share the devices, apps and student work could be deleted accidentally.
- Not all students can afford their own devices for schools with a BYOD policy.
- Teacher attitudes towards technology-i.e. some don't allow devices in their classroom.
- Student safety and security, including ensuring students are using the devices in a respectful manner keeping in mind proper digital citizenship, student data and content is stored securely, students are not exposed to inappropriate content, etc.
- Teachers need to know how to use iPads and how to implement them in an educationally purposeful and meaningful way.
- How to get content created by students from the iPads to the teacher, parents, etc. securely.
- Who pays for the apps? This is especially true for students in schools with BYOD policy, as teachers may be using apps that students do not have and will need to purchase.
- Other financial costs to schools may include a sync cart for storing and syncing the iPads, Wifi, cables, adapters or Apple TV (if teachers want to show content from the iPad on an IWB).
References:
Bennett, K.R. (2011). Less than a Class Set. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39 (4), pp 22-25. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learningandleading
Forward, D. & MacDonald L. (2013). Technology in the French Immersion Classroom. Retrieved from http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/Technology_in_the_French_Immersion_classroom#cite_ref-7
Soliman, Y. (2012). Integrating iPads in the classroom: a 21st century introduction
Walsh, K. (2012). ipads in education: Implementations, apps and insights. Lulu Enterprises, Inc.
Bennett, K.R. (2011). Less than a Class Set. Learning and Leading with Technology, 39 (4), pp 22-25. Retrieved from http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learningandleading
Forward, D. & MacDonald L. (2013). Technology in the French Immersion Classroom. Retrieved from http://etec.ctlt.ubc.ca/510wiki/Technology_in_the_French_Immersion_classroom#cite_ref-7
Soliman, Y. (2012). Integrating iPads in the classroom: a 21st century introduction
Walsh, K. (2012). ipads in education: Implementations, apps and insights. Lulu Enterprises, Inc.
Purchasing an iPad image retrieved from http//:flickr.com
Rowland Hall iPad Pilot Program [Video File]. Retrieved from:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8pG6X5oeo0
Auction image retrieved from:http//:flickr.com
Warning Sign image retrieved from:http://bugmeknot.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/warning-challenges.jpg
Rowland Hall iPad Pilot Program [Video File]. Retrieved from:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8pG6X5oeo0
Auction image retrieved from:http//:flickr.com
Warning Sign image retrieved from:http://bugmeknot.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/warning-challenges.jpg