iPads in the Classroom

Tablets like the iPad are an exciting way to continue to shift learning to a student-centered model by providing a dynamic individual learning tool. However, like any mobile device, there are several technical and instructional issues to consider.

Academic

1. What is the vision of curriculum and instructional practices and how would an iPad support that vision?
2. What faculty members are key to the success of an iPad implementation? What group of people should become comfortable with the iPads before putting them in to the hands of students?
3. Will iPads be used as a learning center or in a 1:1 environment?
4. What apps should be fundamental to achieving the school's vision of curriculum?
5. Will textbooks be purchased for student iPads?
   YouTube Demo here
   Article and Discussion here

Academic Links of Interest

You Want iPads For Your School...But Is That Enough?
Kathy Schrock's Guide to iPads in the Classroom
iPad Apps to Support Bloom's Revised Taxonomy
What I Would Do with an iPad in My Classroom
Research Project "Unlocking Lieracy with iPad"

Technical

1. Do you have a wireless network capable for handling several mobile devices simultaneously?
2. Is there sufficient bandwidth availble for increased network traffic?
3. How will the iPad/tablet be configured?
   Note: iPads are designed to be setup with a gift card or credit card and registered to an individual with email integration foundational to the user experience.
4. Who will manage the purchase of apps?
5. Included in the iOS 5 native apps is iMessage. Many schools have a policy against cellphones and texting. How will this texting app be addressed?
6. How will damaged iPads be repaired and who will manage damaged equipment?
7. What is the cost of a student-friendly protective case?

Technical Links of Interest

Apple's iOS 5 Deployment Guide
Apple's iPad Enterprise Support Guide
Apple's App Store Volume Purchase Program
Otter Box iPad Protective Cases