I discovered this interesting article on the use of iPads in the classroom and I was intrigued. In an article written by Gonzalo Garcia, iPads in the Classroom,
he stated "Instead of replacing desktop or laptop computers, the iPad2
is designed
to complement existing technology." I found his thought very interesting
because I believe that people have a tendency to become aggravated with
devices such as the iPad because they don't realize that this mobile
devices isn't supposed to act as a a laptop but simply a mobile
component that is a laptop's "compliment."
I like this point because in an attempt to use the iPad app "Idea
Flight," my class and I became instantly frustrated that it wouldn't
allow us to work together. We kept became progressively frustrated truly
because we knew that if we were on a laptop or computer it would be
easier to work out the issues. Simply put, us computer savvy users feel much more comfortable with a laptop versus the new territory of the iPad. I guess we (I) could just use some more practice!
Also, I found another wonderful article that I plan to check out and blog about next time...
^^Click This Link!
Yes, we were all very frustrated when we could not get Idea Flight to work. However, the iPad will never duplicate the functions of a laptop or notebook. So far, I see the iPad as a very useful device for consuming information, annotating ideas, discovering things in the environment, taking pictures, writing down one's thoughts, etc. What I find extremely frustrating is the fact that Apple charges a lot of money for workshops, which if they had a social conscience, they would offer for free. I am not going to pay $99 for a workshop to learn how to use a device for which I have paid a lot of money. Shame on you Apple! Their corporate structure is not interested in needy students or struggling educators. They just want to keep on making billions of dollars.
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