I just finished watching the blog-cast of the unveiling of Apple’s iPad2. Normally I don’t go in for such things…especially since not only was it not a video stream (blog-cast?)…I just don’t care when Apple releases something (or care enough to stop my day and watch). This was different though (pardon the pun). The iPad2, I think, has the potential to really, really change education. So, there I sat in my office watching the blog-cast, YM’ing my friend in the office (she was also watching) and Tweeting and ReTweeting the goings-on of the event. Yes. Ubernerd.
So why the excitement? I have an iPad right now. Love it. Use it for word processing, web browsing, games, movies, music…even all the books I read now are on it. I haven’t pulled my laptop out on an airplane since I got it! Even so, while I think it is great for me, I didn’t run and jump on the iPad in the classroom bandwagon. It wouldn’t allow video-out for most applications, was very limited on productivity for schools, and inputting files could be cumbersome. I thought it was great for me, but just not quite there yet when it came to the classroom. Or should say, rather, advocating for all classrooms…as classrooms across the country are doing great things with it. The price point per student didn’t really excite me. If you could afford it, super. But really, a laptop was around the same money and had a lot more options (multimedia for one).
That changed with iPad2. Video-mirroring, cameras, lighter…all for the same price as the original iPad. Ok, nice. BUT, but got my interest was the increase in productivity tools (iMovie and Garage Band for one), and the interactivity. The potential to be always-on…jacked-in is there. Finally a digital tool for the digital natives. This has the potential (POTENTIAL) to be the big game changer in education. A device the size of a slim paperback is a window to creating knowledge, as well as intaking knowledge. Wow!
Great post, Andy! I, too, didn't jump on the iPad bandwagon at first. But after a month of watching Tweets and posts from early adopters, I realized that I was missing out on the evolution of something big. I don't regret jumping into the fray one bit, in spite of some shortcomings of the first version.
ReplyDeleteI agree - the 2nd version holds a lot of promise. Can't wait to get my hands on one.
Thanks for the post! (Elizabeth was the friend I was YM'ing during the blogcast as we were both tweeting and retweeting...fellow ubernerd).
ReplyDeleteJumping into the fray is part of the fun! :) I love working with schools that jump in, as well. I was a Palm Educator for a LONG time and knew it was an awesome tool (and some schools did INCREDIBLE things), but it wasn't at the level (IMHO) to be plopped into all schools. I think the iPad is so easy to use, the staff development for teachers is a lot less (students just run with it)...and iPad2, well...wow! Am enjoying the tweets and blogs on the speculation of iPad3 already and we don't even have iPad2 in our hands! :D
I'm proposing ipads for Angaur and Kayangel (we're renewing their tech equipment). Hope at least one is approved so we can see what can be done.
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Alii, Edwel! That is a wonderful idea! Both places have great tech-teachers to help implement iPads. Might want to consider iPads for all administrators, too, if still considering Power Walkthrough. Please check out the Diigo group, iPads for Education: http://groups.diigo.com/group/ipad-for-education (need to join) or if just want to check out sites without joining: http://www.diigo.com/user/islandandy/ipad Let me know I can help out. -Andy
ReplyDeleteYes, still interested. Good thinking re the administrators. Diigo is great man. Here i see many articles that i had to stumble around to find previously. Thanks.
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