Pros and Cons of the iPad and other technologies in school

It seems inevitable for technology to become integral to the classroom especially with the advent of the iPad and similar tablet devices. But will such integration or dominance of technology over traditional teaching methods be for the benefit or to the detriment of the next generation of students? Opinions are split on this hot topic. I have scoured the net and listed the main points on either side of this great debate…where do you stand?

Pros:

Student responses can be creative – written, drawn, voice recorded or video recorded (e.g. podcasts). Children have a stronger preference for these mediums.

Can be seen as a tool that motivates and engages students in their studies (e.g. more contributions to class discussions via twitter). Various studies still differ on how technology impacts academic performance.

21st century skill sets essential for the modern workplace are developed along with a global perspective on issues.

Can video conference with teachers, other students and guest speakers from around the globe.

Parents can be informed of children’s progress at school via web based blogs.

It is lighter to carry textbooks in electronic format rather than having to lug a bag of hardcopy textbooks around.

Typing is faster than handwriting though you can use a digital pen on an iPad.

Cons:

More expensive than pen an paper

Dependency on technology for learning – may not be skilled or aware of traditional learning sources such as the use of library books.

Can be a distraction with the multitude of non-educational apps at student’s disposal as well as access to social media, chatrooms etc on the internet

Online social media are readily accessible to the detriment of the development of interpersonal conversational skills, social and emotional development. Essentially interaction is with the technology rather than directly with another person.

Social networking exposes students to inappropriate material, sexual predators, cyber bullying etc

Though the knowledge available in the internet is unlimited the correctness and accuracy of information is questionable.

Hampered by slow connections to the school network, slow boot times, virus scans, flat batteries and so on. In addition to this crashes could result in data loss and reverse workflow.

Will take more time, energy and cost to secure and monitor uses of technologies.

Grammar and handwriting skills are affected as students become reliant on typing and spellcheckers.

Should the iPad be introduced into schools?

• Yes
• No
• Undecided

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