First of all an iPad is NOT a laptop computer! They work quite differently and for those used to working on a laptop it may take some getting used to. The advantages of the iPad is it is smaller, lighter weight, has a long battery life and there are about 1 million Apps available for personal or classroom use, many of which are free!
The iPad can be used for all of the basics- word-processing, spreadsheets, presentations, web surfing, calendars, checking e-mail, calculator, taking photos or video and wireless printing. But that is just the tip of the iceberg! With about 1 million Apps (software applications) available, there is a long list of software options available in such categories as music, math, science, art, photography, video, audio, social studies, foreign languages, English, etc etc. Most "paid" Apps cost under $10, with most costing just a few dollars or less. The iPad can work independently of a desktop or laptop computer or it can be synced with your computer for integration with your iTunes, iPhoto, Calendars, e-mail or other software.
While iPads may work better with Apple Mac computers, they can also be used with Windows computers. Here are some great resources to learn more and get started using your iPad in the classroom:
Apple's iPads in Education
ZDNets Guide to 50 Resources for iPad use in the Classroom
Interaction Education iPads in the classroom
Education Dive's 18 iPad Uses in the Classroom
TeachHub's Amazing iPad Apps for Educators
Edutopia: 6 Things About Using iPads in Education
Nice, lots of good resources. You are right, iPad's with appropriate software offer numerous innovative and exciting instructional options.
ReplyDeleteWe have over 350 iPad's at Harper Creek. Most elementary and middle school teachers have one and there are several carts and classroom sets in those buildings. When purchasing apps in bulk, most vendors offer a 50% discount when ordering 20 or more of the same title.
While iPad's are fantastic educational tools, they are better suited for individual use rather than as a multiple user shared device.