Do you think that the iPad lacks ‘information production’ – the word processing capability that we are used to on PCs? Before discussing whether the iPad lacks ‘information production’ or not, we need to consider the differences in the use of the iPad and the netbooks/laptops/PCs. Although I spend a lot of time with my […]
Continue reading Discussion #3: Understanding the Difference Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
In teaching College Mathematics, I think the use of the ipad would greatly enhance students’ interaction in self-paced individualized learning as well as working with applications that target specific areas for development. The use of the whiteboard app would be very useful as lessons could be shown in situ and then archived for retrieval and […]
Continue reading Discussion 2 – Market for Self-Paced and Individualised Learning Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Hi Kerry-Ann, thanks for sharing your thoughts about how iPad can be useful for Mathematics classroom. Interoperability has always been an issue for Apple technologies. In the case of iPads no compatibility with Flash is one of the primarily issues to consider. Every technology has benefits and drawbacks.
One question came up to my mind. Is there any benefits of gaming apps for Mathematics classroom?
Hi Angela,
Every technology has its benefits and drawbacks indeed but I do think that in this age and stage of technology more can be done to create more compatible platforms et al. but then we would have to fight commercialisation dragon.
Re your question. I do think that there would be many benefits for gaming apps. Much research in and use of use of games in education have shown benefits. For examples see http://www.wideopendoors.net/educational_technology/gaming.html. A game app would therefore go down well. An example I saw of one such potentail is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_puzzles_with_algebra_of_binary_variables
Kerry-Ann
In a previous post, I was reflecting on what constitutes information production – noting that the author we were asked to read (Abel) seemed to really equate it to textual production. However, something struck me when I was commenting on an earlier post by Kristopher, in which he was discussing the potential use of iPads […]
Continue reading More on information production (D3): pictures telling 1000s of words Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
I agree that doing text on the iPad is a little weird and that its affordances more readily support visual communication. The camera on the iPad is pretty bad, but I think there’s a lot of value in using the touch interface to create diagrams, concept maps, etc. and share them with people and have them work on them as well.
1. Do you feel that the iPad is a game changer in the global education process? Would you as an EVA invest in this endeavor? I don’t know what the “global educational process” is. The iPad has undeniable sales figures and market share, but how much “educational use” is simply using existing tools, or accessing […]
Continue reading D3 EVA Evaluation of iPads Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
David,
Very interesting take on the situation. I do support you on that keyboard factor. Well I guess part of your investment would to make the product complete buy stopping those gaps that you deemed important to the market.
Everton
Thanks for your well-thought out responses. I think the point I take away from this post and fully agree with is there is little to no value in a venture that “…relies on keyboard use of the iPad in a non-mobile context”. After much reflection this week around the discussions, I think Abel’s statement that the iPad is a game changer in education is a loaded one. It denies the existence of the various educational contexts and that the iPad is not the appropriate device in all situations.
Sorry, I miss quoted you. Should be; “…that relies on keyboard use, or use of the iPad in a non-mobile context”.
Hi David,
Interesting analysis and post. I agree with you on adopting the cross platform approach as issues that stem from incompatibility can cause many woes that could mar an educational venture.
1. AFFORDANCES OF THE iPAD High portability, sharability (hand it around), touch and gesture interface, location-awareness, orientation/movement awareness, Internet access, image and sound recording. The limitations include a huge on-screen keyboard, small low-resolution screen, small storage space, no multitasking on the same screen, hidden/primitive filesystem. 2. MY WORKPLACE I am a teaching assistant and an […]
Continue reading D2 Market for iPad in education Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Hi David, thanks for sharing such a complete report of the advantages and disadvantages of the iPad. As always yu have provided a critical analysis about the iPad. It is true that we not always think on how these devices are made and what resources are used to build them.
Fantastic analysis. You have clearly identified the strengths and weaknesses of an IPad for your everyday use. You mentioned anxiety management, what about playing with Apps?
Verena:)
Hi David, I really enjoyed reading through your post and how you labeled the different groups. I agree with the advantages and disadvantages you posted as well as the iPad for everyday use.
Thanks for also sharing your comments on this week.
Jenaca
We would like thank everyone for completing the survey. It is still open if there is anyone who has not completed it yet and would like to do so. Limitations of the basic plan do not allow for any chart creation or to actually share the link to the results page since it would require […]
Continue reading Survey Results Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
I think your survey, among other things, tells us that we are still experiencing the very beginning stages of the tablet paradigm. Just like the war between Beta and VHS, Blu-ray vs. HD-DVD, I think that the major players are still battling it out. I think that it will shake down to two major devices, on the iOS based iPad, and the other, probably the Android device. Although, after all the lawsuits are done, Android devices might be severely crippled.
Thanks jim. Perhaps a question around tablet usage in general would have been beneficial in seeing what others are using instead of the iPad.
Hi Jay/Jim,
I agree with you that the survey results may represent the early stages of adoption for the Ipad and that asking what other tablet or mobile device responders use may have helped to give an idea of what kind of device may be prevalent. I must say that I was surprised to see that in a class of people who make up decision makers and influencers in the education arena, a high percentage “never” use the Ipad for all the purposes listed. I wonder how this reflects on thoughts about Ipad being a “game changer” in education- all buzz or fact? Having said that, I would like to mention here that I like the Ipad but really feel that it is expensive especially as I have a cell phone already. My thoughts have been on whether to go for Ipad or Iphone so I will only have to carry one device that does the same things.
Will the Ipad be a game changer in the education industry? I would like to attempt to answer this question by tracing its track record so far. The slogan “there’s an app for that” was made popular by the Ipad, as far as I know. The surge of apps coming up these days testifies to […]
Continue reading D#3: Game changing Ipad Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Hi,
You mention the popularity of the device with digital natives, but I found it very interesting to see the demographics on who uses the ipad the most (the stat was something like 34-55 year olds…). I would have thought it was more younger people. I wonder if this has to do with the price, rather than just who wants them the most. That age group would have the most disposable income for tech gadgets. That being said, there is definitely an appeal for all. I was in bed reading an article last night, and my 15 month old baby kept scrolling the page down and laughing at me. Its like she knew which part I was reading and would swipe the screen to move it away so I couldn’t see it. I knew my other kids (3 and 5) liked it, but now I see that apparently babies love ipads. I then thought, “I wonder if there’s an app for babies?” and sure enough, I found a blog devoted to it.
I wonder if there’s a group who aren’t interested in the ipad…
Emily
Emily,
My guess is that it has something to do with what the iPad is most useful for – what it affords its users. I have seen videos of kids (particularly the 2.5-year-old girl using one, who obviously had much experience on a similar device, since she knew which places to click to go home / back, etc.) using them, as well as cats. This doesn’t mean it’s natural or great (not that it’s exactly what you were saying) for kids or cats – it just means they can interact with them. I posted the link to an article in a previous week that said users of tablets/eReaders consume more news since they acquired the device. I think, aside from other entertainment, that’s what it’s best for so far – a bit of media, and news / reading. I believe there’s a link between what they get used for the most and the age group (34 – 55-year-olds) that uses them the most.
Steve
Ifeoma,
Great post! I too think the game-changing logo depends on several factors. We cannot classify it as that when there is no comprehensive global stats to suffice this claim. We need to watch and wait first and pay attention to the global distribution of iPad in the classroom. The potential looks great and worth investing in but it’s more of a game-changer in mobile technology; not in education as yet.
Everton
What does that say about branding and ‘catchy’ slogans? Its one step closer to making it a household name.
I too noticed the comments to Laura Milligan’s blog – replace the ipad with the word netbook and you get the same thing. Will this be the future – similar functionality and and general broad statements will be said about how many other devices?!
Portability is certainly one of the highlights this week in discussing the ipad – although I really don’t think I would take it out with me like I do my Blackberry – so its not THAT portable.
As far as being a game changer in education – I think the potential is there, it just has not reached those lofty heights yet.
Discussion 3: The iPad as a game changer The iPad is a game changer in education since it promises new and exciting opportunities for learning anytime and anyplace. However, is it worth the investment? My answer is a resounding yes. The iPad has many features which makes it a great tool for education. For example, […]
Continue reading Discussion 3: The iPad as a game changer… Posted in: Uncategorized, Week 09: iPad Apps
Hi Keisha,
Great points. The other advantage of a digital text is that it is always updated. Just imagine the possibility of never having to order a new set of textbooks for a school. You just regularly order updates. Think of the savings in postage alone! Perhaps this will alleviate the university textbook editions issue (you know: your course is using the 7th edition that costs $150, but the 6th edition is available 2nd hand for $30; you later discover that there are only very minor differences, but page order has been changed…)
I also like that you mention the idea of newer iterations of products coming out. How would you feel if you had bought the first ipad instead of ipad2? Probably ripped off.
Any ipad(1) users out there?
I wonder if it would make sense marketing-wise to guarantee that you won’t be making a newer version of a device for x-number of years. The last year prior to turnover would likely be a dead zone. But people would feel confident buying something knowing that it would be the ‘latest’ version available for a specific period of time. Thoughts?
Emily
Emily – how right you are! New versions of textbooks drive me mad! Particularly if the author is the person who is teaching the course and you never actually crack the book open!
Keisha – I love the analogy of the digital backpack – how appropriate! Much lighter than the 10 textbooks I carried to and from school all the time. Very portable and practical – with hopefully all the upgrades. I don’t think the idea of ipads in education has caught on like wildfire yet – but certainly with gamers and people who want to watch videos on the go (think kids in the backseat of a mini van on a long trip).
The latest and greatest device is always the consumer challenge – corporations saturate the market with version 1 and then continue to make next versions to continue the cycle of mass consumerism, consumption and intake of dollars. Promising they won’t make a version for x amount of years would seriously jeopardize this cycle.
Is there a market for this technology within education? iPad has been targeted for people who use eBook readers such as Kindle. However, it is offering them more than just an eBook reader. These days, I can see that iPad is prevalently used for educational purposes, especially in elementary. Schools receive grants to implement the […]
Continue reading Discussion # 2: Why iPad? Why Not Netbook? Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Thank-you Kim for your comprehensive list of benefits and ways to use the iPad. You have summed up our week’s presentation very nicely. I have a friend who uses a netbook and loves it. He did not buy a ipad on purpose for the reasons that you listed. You have illustrated well the contrast between the ipad and netbook and I would also add that some people just prefer not to buy Apple products. As each of these products evolve, and the price becomes cheaper, I would venture that you will see more competition in this market.I do not think we have seen the last version of the ipad (can’t wait for ipad 50!) so the capability and functionality and uses in the classroom will just grow, adding more to the list you have provided us. The challenges come with different devices and software, how does the education manage the personal preferences that the students bring to class.
Thank you, Deb.
I agree with you that the use of iPad in the classroom will grow.
I heard that there were over 3 million iPad units sold in just 80 days after launch last year. So far this year, there are more than 25 million units sold. The number keeps increasing.
What features of the iPad attract people so much that almost everyone around me is eager to have one? It could be the style, design, functionality, free useful apps, and portability. If someone asks me what I would prefer to purchase between the iPad and the netbook, I’d say the former. It’s worth having one.
Deb
Kim,
Very comprehensive analysis of the iPad. This information is very useful tome since I do not own an iPad. I learnt a lot from your post. My point of contention though is that a netbook or a laptop is much cheaper and can do the same functions as an iPad, so why invest in a iPad? In my country Jamaica, due to the economic situation, my students would mostly opt to purchase the netbook over the iPad mainly because of the cost and since it can do the same things as the iPad.
Keisha
Thank you, Keisha.
You are right that both the netbook and the iPad have similar functions. If it was solely for educational purposes, and a school district or a school couldn’t afford to purchase iPads, I’d recommend them to purchase netbooks.
However, if it was for my own use, then I’d purchase an iPad. On a daily basis, I use my iPhone more than my netbook or computer. The only thing that I find difficult when using the iPhone is that the size of the screen is too small. Also, there are many cool iPad apps such as WordPress, Facebook, Docs To Go, etc. that you can use without going on the Internet. You can’t use these apps on the netbook. Apple also offers a 10% discount if their product is used for educational purposes.
Deb
Is the Ipad a Game Changer in Education? Is this really a good investment? In my case, I would probably start with who are my audience and what courses am I teaching? I am sure it is a game changer for other educators. As they often say, “You need an apps for that.” Is […]
Continue reading D3 – Game Changer ? Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Hello,
Very good questions to determine if the iPad is worth the investment. I particularly like your first question where you ask about what the iPad has to offer over other devices/computers. For example, when you consider a laptop, it can do almost the same thing and more of what the iPad has to offer. So is it worth really worth it?
Keisha
Your first question is crucial to determining whether or not investment will reap benefits. One of the “selling points” of the iPad, or other tablets, is the mobility they offer. Yes a laptop is mobile, but not nearly as portable and easy to just pull out and use. Institutions definitely need to assess their particular situation and decide if a device is actually worth the price tag before they decide to invest. What could it bring into the classroom/office/learning process that isn’t there now and could we do this in a less expensive way. The point of technology is that we become more efficient and better at what we do, including cost-effective. If the device is not going to do this than regardless of the intuitive interface, touch-screen, sleekness and mobility it’s not worth the price tag especially in already tight-budget circumstances.
Before you publish your posting, please make sure that you select a category (eg. Introductions) as well as assign some meaningful tags (keywords).
khenry 5:36 am on November 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Deb,
Good points. Functionality and purpose do indeed distinguish the ipad from the pc and the information production capabilities. I do agree that the ideal would be to somehow fuse PC and ipad capabilities. However, as you pointed out, the different technologies serve different purposes and like you, I and many others I know, look to technologies during the day to support responding to, editing and viewing of information rather than actual production, which we do at sit down times. However, I wouldn’t mind doing some content creation as well as the demands for time increase. I also believe that creation/production apps are the way to go.
Kerry-Ann
Deb Kim 12:23 pm on November 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you, Kerry-Ann.
You are absolutely right that “creation/production apps are the way to go”.
verenanz 6:33 am on November 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Deb – The fact that we are considering buying some kind of keyboard support for the IPad for my daughter…proves your point. all users need to be able to have ease of use in creation and production. Excellent points. It’s true, I too use my Dell LapTop and my IPad for “different” things. There is room for growth!
Verena:)
Deb Kim 12:20 pm on November 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you, Verena.
hall 6:34 am on November 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Hi Deb,
I absolutely like the comparisons of the PC/laptops/notebooks and IPads. I think the list of differences you mentioned were factual and gave readers a platform to make a valid choice of the electronic device they should purchase. In regard to word processing software for IPad, there are some Apps available which allow you to perform tasks similar to MS. You could visit this site http://www.iPadWordProcessor.com, it currently hosts a resource center for Apple’s iWork Pages, Office² HD, Quick Officeand iA Writer. These software are useful word processors for Ipads.
Conroy
Deb Kim 12:18 pm on November 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Conroy,
Thank you for the website address. I’ve never used any of the Apple products other than my iPhone, so that’s always been one of my concerns for purchasing an iPad. I use MS Office a lot (for my teaching practices as well as for my assignments), but it has occurred to me that Apple doesn’t provide such a good program that’s compatible to MS. I was looking for apps for the iPad that you mentioned (e.g. iWork Pages, Office² HD, and Quick Officeand iA Writer) because I’m planning to purchase an iPad in the near future.
Thank you for the tips.
Deb
Jim 10:18 am on November 5, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
I enjoyed reading your post as I posted a discussion around the same answer. You also pointed out that PCs and iPads are different devices with different intentions behind their designs. I mentioned at the end of my post that PCs are going to become the workhorses of digital content whereas mobile devices will be used day-to-day. True, you can take notes on your laptop with MS-Word, but you will never us 98% of it’s capabilities in doing so.
You also talk a little bit about some of the difference between PCs and iPads, such as the portability. One could argue back, what about Netbooks? Just as portable and they can run MS-Word. But why haven’t Netbooks caught on with the vigor that iPads have? The answer is, I think, because the iPad was designed specifically as a easy to use, fun, mobile device from the start. The Netbook is just a continuation of the miniaturization of the desktop PC. The iPad breaks free of that desktop paradigm like no other device, I think.
Deb Kim 12:14 pm on November 7, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Jim,
I agree with you that the iPad is easier and more fun to use than the netbook as the netbook is “a continuation of the miniaturization of the desktop PC”. I mentioned “portability” because the iPad is lighter in its weight than the netbook. Also, it doesn’t take as much time to turn on as the netbook. You press the button and it turns on right away.
Deb