The iPad and Education: How Tablet Computers Might Change the Classroom

When I was in seventh grade, one of my teachers assigned my class to write about what school might be like in the future. Calling upon my creativity, I dove into the assignment with gusto (open-ended writing assignments were my favorite). In my day-in-the-life narrative of a future middle school, students teleported to class, ate hot lunches served from a giant machine, and instead of textbooks, had their own personal, lightweight computers.

I didn’t know then that one of my ideas about the future might come sooner than I had realized. Today, Apple just announced their new iPad—a tablet computer they call their “most advanced technology in a magical and revolutionary device.” With the interface of an iPod Touch but the size of a laptop screen, it’s interesting to think what technology like the iPad might mean for schools and education.

So what’s this new iPad all about? Here’s a breakdown of some of the features and how they might impact education:

• A large, multi-touch screen is the only user interface, which means all you need is your finger to operate the iPad. A simple interface is user-friendly even to children.
• A calendar feature is included in the iPad; students could use it to keep track of assignments, activities, and tests.
• The iPad includes a new application that allows you to find, download, and read e-books. With such easy access, the iPad could be a lightweight alternative to textbooks. (Rumor has it that McGraw-Hill has already been collaborating with Apple to bring e-textbooks to the iPad.)
• The high-resolution screen is designed to impressively play videos and show pictures. If used in the classroom, the iPad could enhance students' learning experiences by allowing teachers to use media to teach.

But there are some reasons why the iPad might not work as well for education:

• The iPad’s access to the Internet could come with a monthly service fee, which could get expensive.
• Though the design is sleek and streamlined, such a lightweight, portable tablet means that it could be much more breakable than a computer (especially in the hands of children).

Drawbacks or no, it’s interesting to think about how technology like the iPad might change classrooms. If students had their own tablet computers, think of the huge store of e-textbooks they could carry around with ease. All the informational texts students would need would be on their tablets. And what if those textbooks were interactive? Students could do more than read educational material: they could view images, watch videos, even play interactive games. All of this will of course depend on the content suppliers make available, but the possibilities are intriguing.

I don’t think we can deny that technology like the iPad will largely affect the rising generation, including their education. And with Apple’s practice of starting new technology at low prices (the iPad starts at $499), the impact could spread faster than we think. But how far do you think this new technology will spread into the actual classroom? How do you see the iPad and its technology advancements affecting education in the near future? Please share your thoughts; we’d love to hear them!