Blog#8: Can iPads Replace Laptops?

     This article is a point/counterpoint argument based on two different opinions from educators Alicia Testa and Krista Moroder. It's an interesting coincidence that this article was published in the latest issue of Teaching and Technology because we discussed this very topic in our Education 422 class tonight. My personal opinion of iPads overall is neutral; I'm indifferent as to whether or not they are beneficial for education, but perhaps my opinion will change once I begin teaching and I actually spend more time with iPads in the classroom. I have an old school philosophy when it comes to learning, but I am also optimistic toward new technology making life easier. Anyway, getting back to the article, Alicia Testa argues that iPads can in fact replace the laptop computer. She is a technology integrator at an all-girl's school and she reports that her students have just finished their first year using one-to-one iPads in her 6-12 grade classes. She argues that iPads are more compact, lighter to carry for students, and better suited for multitask learning than traditional laptops. She considers the iPads a "dream" in terms of mobility, including areas outside of a school setting. She claims that students can use them to study or learn anywhere and the iPads allow a class to go out into the field together for a particular lesson. Laptops are bulky compared to iPads. She even mentions cloud-based media that her students can organize, including notes for class, some textbooks, flash cards, and tutorials. These are all connected to their iPads and can be easily accessed anytime, anywhere. She uses her iPad far more than her laptop and she even typed her review for this article using the Pages app.

     Krista Moroder begs to differ. She states that integrating technology is at the top of the priorities in education today, yet she admits that she hasn't embraced all of the technological tools in her classroom. She has an interactive whiteboard in her classroom that she has barely used to its potential, and she states that an old school overhead projector can do the same job the interactive whiteboard is supposed to do. She mentions all of the interactive whiteboards and document readers that are prevalent in the classrooms today are not helping "technology." She doesn't think that technology integration is about the technology itself. She disagrees with finding the latest piece of technology and tossing it into the classroom, claiming it will advance education. I actually agree with her statement. She states that educators need to make important decisions when they choose the technology and make sure it will enhance learning and productivity in their classrooms. She agrees with the mobility aspects of the iPads compared to laptops and how they are often less expensive than laptops, yet she doesn't feel these are reasonable enough features for them to replace laptops. She also states the keyboard size of laptops is more attractive to many teachers when they need to make lesson plans or do grades for their classes. This article explains the pros and cons of iPads for education and it pertains to the ISTE-NETS.T #1: Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity because it shows how teachers can facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments.

Moroder, K. and Testa, A. (2012). Can iPads Replace Laptops? Learning and Leading with Technology, 40(3), 6. Retrieved from: http://www.learningandleading-digital.com/learning_leading/201211#pg8