The iPad 2 in the Classroom

After some searching, I stumbled upon a great article that outlines just some of the many uses of the Apple iPad in the classroom is called "How the iPad 2 Will Revolutionize Education" by Gregory Ferenstein.

What is the Apple iPad?
The Apple iPad 2 is part of a line computer tablets that are developed by Apple inc. The iPad is a super portable and highly powerful tablet that revolutionized mobile learning. The iPad also has great a great battery life of ten hours, so not only is it highly portable, it's also highly reliable. If you're still not sure what I mean, think of the iPad as a cross between a smart phone and a portable laptop computer.

Ways to incorporate this technology into teaching:
The Apple iPad is very diverse, and can be used in the classroom in many ways, including the following:

• Mobile learning - Instructors can integrate the iPad 2 into the classroom to keep students in the loop from anywhere, including deadline dates, or to keep class related discussions going after class
• Lecturing - Under the right circumstances, the Apple iPad can allow students to view pre recorded lectures on the move and on demand. This would allow students to watch videos of the instructor explaining something, or solving a problem in class while pausing or rewinding the footage.

• Mirror image lecturing - Mirror imaging projects an image from the iPad 2 to a larger screen. This would allow students to see and follow along with exactly what the instructor is looking at while lecturing.

Advantages and Limitations of the iPad 2

Advantages:

• The use of this Technology would successfully incorporate a revolutionary technology into the classroom that students identify with.
• The iPad 2 allows students to follow along with classes more easily.
• The iPad 2 allows students to stay connected to the classroom, even when class is not in session.

Limitations

• Battery life is excellent at ten hours, but what if the charger has not been connected for some time? The battery could die in the middle of a lecture
  
• Some students are reluctant to start using new technology in the classroom, and might become intimidated by the iPad 2. This may lead to a false start in the learning process
• Cost. At roughly $500 per unit, the iPad is not very cheap, so not all students will be able to afford this

Reference:

Ferenstein, Gregory (March 2011). How the iPad 2 Will Revolutionize Education. Retrieved from http://www.fastcompany.com/1733662/how-the-ipad-2-will-revolutionize-classroom-education