Are iPads and Other Classroom Gadgets Really Helping Kids Learn?

By Peg Tyre
http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/01/31/ipads-education-gadgets-really-helping-kids-learn

Author Peg Tyre discusses the use of ipads and other gadgets in the classroom in this article.  It is very interesting because there is such a big push for technology use in the classroom so I can totally relate. She gives examples of how schools across the country are using technology to supplement education and replace textbooks.  The idea is to make education more streamlined, targeted, and efficient.  Rather than offer AP courses, online classes can serve students the same purpose.  Some schools are actually hiring fewer teachers and using those funds to pay for more technology.  Students seem engaged and motivated by all of the technology.

However, there is a flip side to this equation.  According to Lee Wilson, once you consider the training, network costs, and software costs, iPads cost the schools districts nearly 552 percent more than textbooks. Also in the end, iPads are not used as much as one would think throughout the school day.  The daily teacher/student face to face contact is taking up as much if not more of the student's learning time.   So I think that it is important to remember how vital this time is.

Reflecting on the article has lead me to this conclusion.  I think that iPads are a great tool to use in the classroom because they help keep students current with technology, motivated to learn, and excited because there are always new apps and games to learn from.  However, I don't think anything can replace the face to face contact that students get with their teachers.  After taking both online and regular classes, I prefer to go to class and develop a relationship with my teacher.  I think it holds me much more accountable and motivates me to do better.  However, I do feel that there is a need for technolgy in the classroom as well, it just needs to be in a good balance.