My reading through this article explores the reality of one school that completely gave up computer labs and new text books in order to purchase iPads for every student. It cost them a total of $500,000 for each of the iPads however the principle Patrick Larkin used the existing budget by cutting the cost from the textbook, computer lab, and new language lab budgets. Larkin seemed quite positive in his outlook of all the good it would do for students, teachers, and his school. He states that they would utilize old books and everything the iPad and internet have to offer.
Larkin's positive attitude was not necessarily experienced by all of his staff members. In fact, the high school's history chair Todd Whitten said he was afraid the students would spend all their time playing video games and communicating with friends. However, Whitten found that as long as he was attentive so were his students. Afterall, teachers also always have the option of turning them over and off.
Students also had a voice in the changes occuring at Burlington High School. Within the article the author embedded a short youtube video that conveys student thoughts. One student stated that the iPad was extremely beneficial for her because it allowed instant access and useful for contemporary literature. Eddy Gilber said the most useful aspect of the iPad was the wifi access because he is always staying after school and participating in several events so having wifi allows him to get work done anywhere. Another student stated the organization aspect of the iPad helped him keep track of all his school work because everything is in one central location. Patrick, a senior at BHS, stated the iPad is particularly useful for his music sheets. Espcially the new app called notorize that allows musicians to take notes helped him know when to skip a certain section or play a different chord. All of this student feedback provides more support for the expanding of mLearning, especially the use of iPad technology.
Overall, I would love to work for a school in which my students are provided iPads. The educational possibilities it provides would well be worth the lack of new textbooks and computer labs in my opinion. Also, I agree with the students that spoke about organization--particularly boys--everything being in one central location for a class would be helpful to a teacher and student. The other creative features and cultural aspects provided at the touch of a button also fill me with great joy! I want my students to strive towards individuality, culture, and engagement with the world around them. If iPads create a pathway to that, sign my classroom up!
Good job!
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