Is the iPad a game changer? Possibly.
Is the iPad a game changer? I would have to say yes. Now the sci-fi nerd in me thinks back to the original Star Trek (I’m going somewhere here!) where they utilized an instrument called the tricorder. Now what this instrument did was act as a fancy computer that basically gave the user the answer to nearly any question they were looking for. Essentially this is the iPad (but with better graphics, of course.)
But I’ve digressed. In terms of education it is a game changer, although I am reluctant to call it revolutionary, and I don’t believe that it’s reached its potential yet. Personally, as it stands now, I see it as a computer without a keyboard or mouse. Yes, it has a newer and more hands on way of computing, but the apps haven’t been that revolutionary (to me) yet. They are (with a few exceptions) regular programs that you use your fingers with. I believe that the future generations of iPad software will take advantage of the interface and utilize it in newer ways. Until then I see it as an easier to use computer, which is an accomplishment though.
Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Deb Giesbrecht 6:05 pm on November 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I agree David – I think the ipad has not reached its potential yet – although like I said in other posts – can’t wait till ipad 50! May be I will be able to afford it by that time! I think there are some great apps ( ever tried glass towers?!) As far as educational ones – I have not really tried them out – particularly in a classroom setting. I think we have only begun to scratch the surface as far as potential goes – the sky is the limit. As far as owning one – I have not found good enough reasons to open up my wallet that far.
As far as Star Trek – I am guessing they were ahead of their time!
andrea 3:46 pm on November 6, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Deb & David – I agree that iPad and other tablets have yet to really change education. Yes, they’re portable and that is very handy. Yes, touch-screen technologies do allow people to interact differently with the content. However, are students learning differently yet? Are they creating content in ways they couldn’t before? I liked the component of the presentation this week that looked at the true cost of the iPad, because I think in a cash-strapped environment like today, a new tool needs to either be an amazing price or it needs to do amazing things, and the iPad hasn’t delivered either of those yet.