How much it's necessary to have a iPad at School? How can it contribute to your knowledge?

I think that the iPad would be a great asset for a student at any level. When I was in grade / high school we had access to computers and printers within designated classrooms. When I entered college, more and more students began owning their own desktop or lap top. I see the iPad as just another extension to these. It's portable, light and is just a great device to use for literature reviews, writing papers, etc.

So--absolutely yes..the iPad does have its place in school settings in my opinion!

For college it's very helpful. I still use pen and paper for my notes, but I have my textbooks loaded onto my iPad, which is a huge weight saver. Also it helps for when you have to quickly email a professor about something, search the school site for information, or even check blackboard to start on your homework assignments, it's easier to do on the iPad rather than to look for a pc somewhere, or pull out the beast of a laptop to do this simple task. Plus the ipad can sit alongside your notebook or on your lap, where a laptop would just be the only thing on your desk, which would drive me crazy unless it's a computer science class.. Its a very handy tool, recording the class lecture is also a possibility, and if you need a quick spell check or definition of something, google will be right on your desk. The tools this device provides are numerous!

Due note though, that over the past year, I've gotten more and more games which have indeed distracted me during class. So if you are going into a boring class, I'd recommend leaving the iPad in the car, for your educational benefit.

As for high school and grade school, well a student doesn't have a choice in the matter, any electronics found were confiscated (where I come from anyway). If the teachers chose to use iPads in the class, or if the students have permission to use them, then they would be very helpful. But young people are easily distracted and fascinated by these devices, so they could wander from what they are supposed to be doing to YouTube or Facebook. So in my opinion, the iPads would have to be programmed to restrict certain apps, functions, sites, etc.

The lower grades in my school use iPads in their class and in music class next year when I'm in 5th grade my music teacher said she might let us make our own music on the app garage band since we make all of our class songs on garage band

I use my iPad everyday at school, taking most of the notes in it, I have it loaded with all of my textbooks. Can't imagine school day without it, to be honest.

I think it's great! Kids seem to love anything on the ipad, and I think its a really usefull tool to engage them in learning, or even to bribe the kids into learning something!

Here in the Philippines, there are some schools where the iPad is a prerequisite. You either buy one on your own or buy one from the school. But in any case, the school will configure it to make it just for educational purposes, so no games or social network. So, no more heavy textbooks as they will all load it to the iPad.

Originally Posted by Teddybearman

Here in the Philippines, there are some schools where the iPad is a prerequisite. You either buy one on your own or buy one from the school. But in any case, the school will configure it to make it just for educational purposes, so no games or social network. So, no more heavy textbooks as they will all load it to the iPad.

I would love that.

I know! Very convenient and practical, at least in the long run. Imagine going through school WITHOUT heavy books to carry? Think of our future generation with all their correct posture and stuff. Lol!

It's only a matter of time before schools stop buying books and either supply an iPad or iPad-like device or require one. All books, class notes, etc. will be downloaded from the school website or through iTunes/iTunes University. I think there's about 5-10 years until Districts do the math and it just makes sense.

I'm a high school teacher and I'm putting my physics course in iBooks format. Teachers all over will be doing this soon.



Tony