Ideas from the web

The iPad project

Possibility of educational discounts

Interesting article

Classroom server

A few children have been asking whether the iPad can be connected to our school server. I have done some research into this and I think that the answer is yes. We will need to do a bit of configuration work but it is certainly possible.

Being innovative

I have done some reading, thanks to Desna, about schools' desire to know what an iPad could do for learning. Currently, lots of schools either have the iPad, or want it, but are limited by their own boxed-in thinking.

I have a link with a friend who is an Apple Developer - he is currently working on iPhone Apps.

My idea is that we could use this link to create specific applications, with my friends help, that suit the needs of the learners in our school. We could also link, via the video conferencing tools we are going to have, with other schools and bring their ideas into play as well.

So, the big question is, how can this tool be used to its fullest potential? What Applications could be developed so we could use it during Reading, Maths, Phonics....whatever.

I believe we need to change our thinking about the iPad. While it can do a lot of things a laptop can do, there are limitations. So, what could an iPad do that a laptop cannot?

TOBY

The iPad is undoubtedly very cool and sleek looking. However does it do what we need in our classrooms? There are limitations. It is certainly not like a full laptop, however it is half the price so we could put a lot more of these in children's hands.

The iPad that we have in school has been loaded with 'Pages' and 'Keynote' which are two of the applications which make the device a possible replacement for a laptop. Both are mini versions of the full software packages that run on a Mac. The question is, do they do enough for what our children need?

The internet speed on the iPad is impressive. This could be useful for our children when they are blogging, but how easy is it to blog on an iPad?

If you have answers to these questions or an opinion on any aspect of this decision, please comment on this post now!!