Deploying iPads in schools - Macworld Australia - Holt Think: Ed, Creativity, Tech, Administration

Deploying iPads in schools - Macworld Australia

Well written article giving an overview of iPad deployments.—TBH

From the article…

“…Last year, we started the process of evaluating a number of different computing platforms and types of hardware as part of a review into the school’s technology strategy.

One of the results of that review was to trial iPads with a small cohort of students in the last year of their primary education. That trial has since expanded to include all students in the last two years of primary school and the first year of secondary education.

Any school contemplating the deployment of iPads, or any other new technology, needs to start by asking one question: What problem are we trying to solve?

On its own, the iPad may be a solution to any number of issues but those need to be articulated, discussed and understood. It’s critical to understand that the iPad, in itself, does not deliver educational outcomes. Schools can’t wash the pedagogical baby with technical bathwater.

The successful introduction of any new technology relies on a whole- school approach. Management need to understand the benefits so that they can communicate them clearly with the broader school community, teachers need to be given time to learn about the new technology and adapt their teaching materials, and students require guidance so that they can use the equipment wisely.

So, what were our goals and what benefits did we expect? One of the big-ticket items for us was the iPad’s instant-on capability. Not having to wait for computers to log in at the start of a class is a huge benefit. Also, students can get through a full day without needing to find power.

Apps, iBooks, fast internet access, the ability to quickly take notes, record audio and shoot photos – all of these can have a huge impact on classroom delivery….”

Posted 11 months ago

Comments

1 note

ed tech, apple, ipad, education, educational technology, El Paso, El Chuco, El Paso Texas,