The iPad 2 is an example of an emerging technology that took the world by storm and became emerged within a few days. It is a form of technology that has the potential to change the way the world looks at technology. Some places may say it is emerging, (Thornburg, 2009) but in my way of looking at the iPad it has emerged in not just our country, but in many countries.
When Apple came out with the iPad there were many challenges for the iPad. One of the challenges in which Apple has already solved is placing a front and end camera into the iPad 2. Another challenge which has already been solved is the weight of the iPad. But there are still many challenges that need to be solved; one being it does not use flash, which makes it impossible to use the many programs that require this program http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash . According to the reports from Apple the Adobe flash was made during the PC era also does not have the best track record for security.
With every new innovation there are some problems with them, the iPad is no different, for one thing the iPad does not have additional storage. This is one of the major problems I feel affects the iPad, but if you decide you want to remove an app then you can reload it from the App store or you personal PC. Another problem that Apple is trying to solve is the use of a printer. A printer has been designed to be used with the iPad, but as like everything else Apple develops you have to purchase the one designed for the iPad. One of the major problems as an educator the iPad is designed for one user at a time. Yes, there are the apps you can download for the machine, but it is not made for a classroom unless the teacher is going to let the students work independently.
The societal needs this technology meets are many. It is easy to use. There are many apps that can be used on an ipad from education apps to gaming apps. It is also an iPod which can play songs and podcasts. You can also record movies on the iPad 2 and take pictures. You can use YouTube as well as Netflix on the iPad. In addition it has e-mail and a web browser. Apple also has an ibook application in which you can download books and read on the go. In other words there are so many features it would take days to name the important features of the iPad 2.
Some links that provide addition insight to the iPad 2
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/
Hiner, J. (2011, March 14). Apple iPad 2: Who should buy and who should pass. Retrieved September 15, 2011, from Tech Sanity Check: http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/hiner/apple-ipad-2-who-should-buy-and-who-should-pass/7896
Jobs, S. (2010, April). Thounghts on Flash. Retrieved 15 September, 2011, from Apple.com: http://www.apple.com/hotnews/thoughts-on-flash/
Thornburg, D. D. (2009a). Current
trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
trends in educational technology. Lake Barrington, IL: Thornburg Center for Space Exploration.
LouAnn
ReplyDeleteThe ipad is a very interesting item. I have not completed very little research on the item. I have heard the cost and I have decided to shy away from such a personal purchase. All principals and vice principals did receive one this year. We have over sixty schools so that was a large purchase. I can now consider the ipad to be emerging for the school system because the district made such a large investment. These ipads are benefitting the administrative staff. I am not sure of the direct benefit to the student yet.
Sandra
It seems the IPad is great for personal use but not particularly in the classroom. Do you think that this technology could find a place with students and what would it take for the IPad to become a more student oriented tool?
ReplyDeleteI think the IPad is a great tool! My school actually just purchased one for me. I use it as my interactive whiteboard using an app called Doceri that mirrors what appears on my laptop so that I can walk around the room and manipulate the screen without being tied to my laptop. From the time this week I spent exploring the app store, I found that there are many great free apps that students could use like educational games and organizational tools. There are also a variety of paid apps that look like they could be helpful, but I have not yet explored many of those. I think it would be great to have more of these in the classroom!
ReplyDeleteResponse to Michael
ReplyDeleteApple App store has so many wonderful educational apps, plus the ibook. I feel if the schools would put the money into this wonderful device the students would be willing to use it for word processing, studying, as well as blogging and emailing.
Sara,
ReplyDeleteI have not looked at the Doceri app, but I will be looking into it tonight. Thanks for the information on the app.