iPads in the Classroom

I had the pleasure of attending a two-day conference put on by the Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) on October 20-21.  The conference was centered around the use of iPads in the classroom, and how this device is changing the face of education.  You can learn more about what was presented at the conference by clicking here.

This technology is being implemented in a 1:1 ratio (one iPad for every student)  in several cities in Michigan and all over the country.  Perhaps you saw the article in the Detroit Free Press about Zeeland's implementation of an iPad for every high school student.  It is an exciting time to be an educator and tech fanatic! 

We must always remember, though, that the learning comes first.  iPads, iPhones, and other technologies in the classroom are only aids to the real goal: the standards and benchmarks set out by each state regarding what every child should know.  Gifted teachers (like the ones here at St. Paul!) know when to bring in technology to enhance learning, and when the learning is better left to traditional practices like paper-and-pencil work, group projects, or one-on-one discussions.