Discussion #3: iPad lacking ‘information production’?
Considering the high adoption of iPads by many students, it doesn’t surprise me that some may consider the iPad as an extremely useful tool in the classroom whether it be for a teacher or student. As for word processing features, I think the iPad is a great tool for this.
It does take some getting used to, but typing on the iPad can be almost as fast as the keyboard. Of course, there’s always the external keyboard that can be plugged in. I think the appeal of the ipad as a word processor for a student is in its size and capability. A full research paper with proper formatting is definitely capable on an iPad. Also, with the voice to text features, it does give some another way to organize thoughts.
Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Jay 6:05 pm on November 2, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thanks for your thoughts. You raise a key point in the end of your post in that the iPad and the abundance of apps are opening new (and possibly more efficient) ways for people to organize thoughts and still allowing for the use of what are quickly becoming traditional methods such as word processor. I think it will be important that cirriculums also change should these technologies be embraced and schools create spaces for students to organize and create work in different ways otherwise these new methods of information production and organization while efficient and opening creative space for students will be incompatible with a cirriculum that remains focused on word processor created work.
Everton Walker 2:41 am on November 3, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Jay,
Great points. It will only be a time before curriculum are rewritten to accommodate new technologies. The future of the classroom will be based on new technologies and it is only wise that schools and curriculum planners get the message earlier and start the transition. I have noticed that technology infusion is now more evident in a few of my course outlines and that is a good sign.
Everton