Next year we will be implementing a pilot program of 10 teachers having iPads and classroom sets of iPads for the students. In this blog post, I will be collecting ideas on how to use iPads in the classroom.
Edutopia Blogger Dean DeSutter suggests
I haven’t had the chance to check this app out, but I would recommend implementing an app like eClicker (http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/eclicker/id329200145?mt=8).
Then over the course of the semester, design your lesson plans as either iPad or non-iPad. iPad lessons should incorporate apps/websites accessible during lecture. Non-iPad lessons should be traditional chalkboard instruction.
In both cases place 5-10 multiple choice learning checks throughout, answerable through eClicker for iPad lessons; paper and pencil for non-iPad lessons. Aggregate the percent of correct answers for iPad vs. non-iPad lessons. This should give you an accurate idea.
Also another interesting study would be to compute average percentages on homeworks of iPad lessons vs. non-iPad. This will test content retention between the lesson architectures.
Sidebar: It seems a little backwards to purchase sets of iPads with little to know implemented framework for them. I would just hate for the iPad to become a failed technology like what I feel the SMART Board has become in many classrooms.
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