Wednesday, March 02, 2011

Show of Hands: Does the New iPad Meet Your Needs as a Teacher?

by Shelly Blake-Plock

Tweet posted earlier today:

Is this the iPad we've been waiting for? RT @erikmal: Apple's iPad product page has been refreshed: http://www.apple.com/ipad/ #edtech

Well, is it? Comment away...

12 comments:

  1. I think the mirror display will help with training as well as showing students the great learning applications that are available. I also think the addition of imovie and garage band will help with 21st century skills and content creation.

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  2. It is a very cool device, but with no Flash support and no built in keyboard, it is hard for education. A huge number of education sites and apps use Flash. Until those sites switch to HTML5, iOS devices will not be able to access them.

    Without a keyboard, its hard to type and do some creations. I find it easier to create things with a keyboard and mouse on a nice big screen.

    It has some great applications for education, but I don't see anything as a be-all-end-all device.

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  3. @Dave

    re: Keyboard

    Isn't there like a $70 full-sized keyboard dock already available?

    Shelly

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  4. @Dave

    re: Flash

    Haven't used it, so I can't vouch for quality, but isn't http://www.skyfire.com/ supposed to convert Flash to HTML5 for use on iPad?

    Shelly

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  5. You can use a Mac bluetooth keyboard with the iPad. It works just fine for bulk typing sessions. The last time I checked skyfire was pulled temporarily, but that has been about a month ago. However, Cloud Browse appears to set up a virtual web session that purportedly (I haven't tried it) will permit Flash viewing.

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  6. With cloud computing and the wireless printer capabilities, the iPad is it. I love the mirror component and the dual cameras. There are a lot of possibilities. Like the movie Friday the 13th, the iPad is not going to stop at it's sequel. So, every generation that is produced will always be better than it's previous version (unlike Friday the 13th part 3 and on). I just wish I was super rich so that I could buy the new versions as they come out.

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  7. I have an Ipad and I have a Samsung Tablet. I like the tablet over the Ipad.

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  8. Glenda Anderson posted on this topic on her blog and includes feedback from a student.
    http://atclassroom.blogspot.com/2011/01/computers-vs-ipads-in-special-education.html

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  9. I like my iPad... but I don't see it replacing my laptop yet. I hope someday it will, but I don't see it just yet. At the moment, I still need a laptop for synching, although I hope that the addition of PhotoBooth means that I'll be able to make videos of the things on my screen. For the purposes of the YouTube videos I've been making lately, I'd have to say it's pretty awesome to have that ability to record my screen. I can't currently do that on the iPad, though maybe the technology exists.

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  10. I will consider it in another couple of years. For now, the netbooks are still a better option (especially given how often we use typing and flash-based programs)

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  11. The mirror feature is awesome.

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  12. I wish that the education based apps for the ipad/ipod were geared toward the middle school classes I teach. The apps which are relevant for my students are ones which are just repackaged websites.

    The lack of Flash is another big obstacle for me. Most of the good education focused websites incorporate flash and are not viewable on Skyfire since they are not just video. In my opinion, the best flash based websites are not video but are interactive.

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