One of the big decisions we have to make as we move 1:1 is which device we'll select for our students and staff. The elementary, intermediate, and middle schools are set on iPads. The high school is still undecided between fully functional laptops, Chromebooks that only run a web browser, and iPads. I can see the advantages and disadvantages of all three, which make this a difficult decision.
To that end, I've been doing an experiment using myself as the test-subject. I spent yesterday and today attempting to live a laptop-free life. I do have to disclose that my iPad has a bluetooth keyboard so it's laptop-like. It definitely makes it easier to type emails, papers, and status updates. I missed my mouse at first, and it took me some time to remember to touch the screen in order to select or move the cursor. AirPrint makes it easy to print, as long as the printer you have is AirPrint compatible. My printer at the Board Office is not, so if I print anything, I have to make a 10-minute walk to the high school to collect my printouts. I also can't run anything with Flash, so I can't watch the webinars that came with my ISTE professional membership. Many online textbooks also use flash to run, so that could be an issue. That said, we can buy an app for $4.99 per iPad that would run flash; it would just add to the total cost of device adoption.
I do have to wonder how much of my adult perspective is shaping this device selection process. I want laptop capabilities because I grew up with PCs. I'm used to fully functional computers that can run software and do whatever I want. Most of our students are digital kids. They've lived with smartphones or tablets as their screens and are used to mobile computing.
In the end, this 1:1 initiative isn't about the device; it's about how the device will help us teach and learn more purposefully. So really, the question isn't Apple or not Apple, but rather will this device best fit our teaching and learning goals.
I'm going to keep the experiment going this month by taking my iPad to my Site-Level Leadership course this Saturday at Mizzou. I'll take my laptop next week, and if I can get my hands on one, a Chromebook for the final class. This way, I'll be able to put myself in our students' shoes to determine advantages and disadvantages of each device in a real classroom setting. I'll keep you posted on the results!
To that end, I've been doing an experiment using myself as the test-subject. I spent yesterday and today attempting to live a laptop-free life. I do have to disclose that my iPad has a bluetooth keyboard so it's laptop-like. It definitely makes it easier to type emails, papers, and status updates. I missed my mouse at first, and it took me some time to remember to touch the screen in order to select or move the cursor. AirPrint makes it easy to print, as long as the printer you have is AirPrint compatible. My printer at the Board Office is not, so if I print anything, I have to make a 10-minute walk to the high school to collect my printouts. I also can't run anything with Flash, so I can't watch the webinars that came with my ISTE professional membership. Many online textbooks also use flash to run, so that could be an issue. That said, we can buy an app for $4.99 per iPad that would run flash; it would just add to the total cost of device adoption.
I do have to wonder how much of my adult perspective is shaping this device selection process. I want laptop capabilities because I grew up with PCs. I'm used to fully functional computers that can run software and do whatever I want. Most of our students are digital kids. They've lived with smartphones or tablets as their screens and are used to mobile computing.
In the end, this 1:1 initiative isn't about the device; it's about how the device will help us teach and learn more purposefully. So really, the question isn't Apple or not Apple, but rather will this device best fit our teaching and learning goals.
I'm going to keep the experiment going this month by taking my iPad to my Site-Level Leadership course this Saturday at Mizzou. I'll take my laptop next week, and if I can get my hands on one, a Chromebook for the final class. This way, I'll be able to put myself in our students' shoes to determine advantages and disadvantages of each device in a real classroom setting. I'll keep you posted on the results!