The Irish Times reports that a secondary school (high school) in Co Mayo, Ireland, is planning to replace all its textbooks with iPads. St Coleman’s College in Claremorris, Co Mayo, made the decision after weeks of consultations with teachers, students and parents. The scheme will begin this September, when the school’s 90 first year pupils will be given the choice to replace their textbooks with iPads. I’m guessing not many will say no!
According to the report, each iPad will be pre-loaded with a suite of learning apps, with the complete package costing a total of €700 ($1000) each, although the cost will apparently be spread over three years.

“It is a bit of a unique idea, but we have to continue to move with the times,” school principle Jimmy Finn told the Irish Times. “We received huge support from the teachers and parents for the idea – we had 96 per cent support – but in no way is this obligatory. Parents have the choice to go with the iPad or the schoolbooks like it was always done.”

Source: School replaces books with iPads - The Irish Times - Mon, May 30, 2011 via TUAW

Great story, now I have to convince my own head teacher in these cash strapped times!

Will they be able to take it home and be able to download any apps the like or are there rules ?

Now they just have to try to keep them off Facebook in class

Originally Posted by ian.ipad

Now they just have to try to keep them off Facebook in class

True but they will some how add software to block sites.

Originally Posted by AtaRobert

True but they will some how add software to block sites.

Kids now will be smarter than the teachers when it comes to this, will be an interesting battle!!