iPad in Education For Dummies

Introduction

Back in 2010, the first iPad was sold at the Apple flagship store in New York City. Its release was heralded with heady anticipation and excitement. Apple had done it again! Although it was not the first tablet computer to hit the market, it quickly became the one to define it. Within a couple of short years, iPad sales into schools have soared above MacBook sales by a margin of 2:1. That demand comes partly from the overall popularity of iPads, but it also stems from the recognition that technology has the potential to revitalize our educational systems.

The iPad and its mini counterpart are light and easy to carry; intuitive to use; and, best of all, relatively inexpensive. However, be careful about putting the iPad cart before the horse. If we expect the iPad to be an agent of change, it’s important that technology use serves our greater educational vision and doesn’t become an objective in itself. The only time “computer” should come before “education” is in the dictionary.

Mobile technology can be used to re-envision education. That’s the goal of this book. Its pages include loads of “how to” information, but along the way I try to address the question of “why” we use technology in class as well. Rather than using iPads to deliver and drill content, we should strive to empower students to create, investigate, and innovate. In doing so, we encourage students to develop the skills they’ll require to become lifelong learners who can thrive in our exponentially ...