iPad in Education: first impressions

Apple has certainly knocked one out-of-the-park with the creation of the iPad.  It is truly a new category of device that augments and begins to replace my traditional computers.  With instant on and a great battery life it is a go to device.

Using with students

The Computer Using Educators of BC have launched an ambitious program to put 11 iPads in the hands of teachers and students.  We look forward to sharing stories from this initiative as we start in January 2011.  My favourite iPad education blog is from Fraser Speirs.

Apps I can’t live without

Unfortunately I have to return my loaner iPad in January.  Here are the apps that I’ll miss the most.

Communication Mail – slick interface for managing multiple email accounts Safari – the multi-touch interface on the iPad makes surfing the web a dream Google TweetDeck – great twitter client Flipboard – amazing interface for surfing twitter links Facebook	Reference Evernote – the free version lets you take notes with audio recordings that sync between multiple computers SimpleMind X mindmapping WordWeb – dictionary and thesaurus Periodic Table of Elements All Countries – stats on countries around the world HistoryMaps – view historical events on a map Wikipanion – wikipedia search engine
Science NASA HD Google Earth Molecules 3D Brain Planets Science VL – Glossary of terms Periodic Table of elements	Math Calculator Fractions Tables – multiplication Early learning Flashcards Alphabet Car
Exploration Geocaching app The Weather Channel AppShopper – a way to find apps that are popular and free Netflix – app that lets me watch movies and TV shows	Games Smurfs – my kids (age 10 and 8) love this game.  Seems similar to farmville Angry Birds – very addictive

 

Wishes for the next version

Some point next year, Apple will release an iPad2.  Here is my wish list:

• A camera with flash.  There are endless possibilities for students to capture their learning and create digital presentations.
• Audio application built in for capturing and basic editing of podcasts.
• Performance.  There have been a few times that the iPad felt sluggish.  Faster processor, more RAM and storage will improve in the future.  Also, note to apple, please let me have an expandable memory card slot!

Comments?

I’d be interested in hearing from other educators and their initial experiences with the iPad.