Apr 14th, 2010
What will be the iPad’s impact on education?
Today, I held an iPad in my hands. I realize for some people this may be old news. But for me, this was a BIG deal. I was awed by the beauty and simplicity of the iPad.
With my library media background, I was drawn to the iBook app. After I downloaded a book I was able to turn the pages, put in a bookmark, highlight text, and look at the pictures. Just like having the real book in my hands! In my mesmerized state, I thought this was the greatest thing ever! That is, until a colleague asked a similar question the editors of the New York Time have been asking, “Does the iPad offer users a new medium or is it merely an iPod Touch on steroids?”
What will be the impact of the iPad on education?
This is what I believe…
One, I found the iPad is highly engaging, motivating, and fun! Students would also.
Two, this is just the beginning. Apple will keep improving the iPad to include more and more features (eg. Flash, camera, etc).
Only time will tell and I cannot wait to see.
I’m especially excited about the iPad because the touch screen interface takes interactive computer simulations that much closer to a real hands-on experience. I have an app on the iPad app store called OnScreen DNA Lite that I believe to be a step towards what the future will bring in the area of virtual science models.