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Many schools now use iPads in the classroom. There are apps that can help with learning and benefit students. However, there are also drawbacks. Above all, it’s important to establish sensible rules.
How to Get the Most Out of the iPad in the Classroom
Using the iPad in the classroom offers many advantages, but it also comes with some disadvantages. It makes sense to establish clear rules right from the start to get even more out of using the tablet.
- Familiarize yourself thoroughly with all the apps and introduce students to the apps and the steps involved right from the start.
- Ideally, you can work together with the students and demonstrate on the projector what they should be doing.
- Although iPads can be used without Wi-Fi, it is often necessary for research or certain apps.
- Establish clear rules for use right from the start and explain to students what is allowed and what is prohibited.
- For example, simply copying information from the Internet is rarely productive.
- Using the camera for non-instructional purposes is also not permitted, as this can sometimes even violate personal rights.
- Playing games on the iPad is, of course, not the purpose of the device in a school setting and should therefore be prohibited.
Benefits of iPads in the Classroom
Students can usually use iPads intuitively. There are also many other benefits to using iPads in the classroom.
- With the iPad, students can conduct research in class and often have access to more up-to-date information than what is available in textbooks.
- In addition, presentations can be quickly created using a computer.
- The devices are lightweight and easy to use. Depending on the configuration, students can also access email or cloud storage.
- There are numerous educational apps for individualized learning.
These are the disadvantages of iPads in the classroom
Where there is light, there is also shadow, and so, of course, iPads in the classroom also have their drawbacks and limitations.
- Apps on iPads are often less user-friendly than desktop programs.
- Writing longer texts is tedious with the on-screen keyboard.
- Students can use the iPad to cheat or, as mentioned above, for purposes other than class.
- Sometimes there are disputes over the devices, for example, when two students are supposed to work with one device.
- The devices are very expensive, and the batteries need to be charged regularly.
