My husband bought me an Apple iPad (32 GB). I would be the first to admit that I just get by when it comes to technology, so I wasn’t exactly thrilled when he proudly brought the iPad home. “Oh no…something else for me to learn,” was exactly what ran through my mind. So, I am ashamed to say, it stayed in my closet for at least a month before I recently got it out and started playing with it.
There have been many reviews done on the Apple iPad and there seems to be just as many pros as cons. So, I would like to address some of both here.
Let me start with the cons. (1) I have read that the iPad is hard to read, especially reading books. After downloading a book and “turning” the pages, I found reading on the iPad to be easy. The screen option, either landscape or portrait gives the reader viewing options. (2) Some wish it had Microsoft applications. Yes, this is somewhat disappointing, but the iPad is not intended to be used that way. I guess that is why there are laptops. However, the iPad can be set up to include the iPad Bluetooth wireless, keyboard. This video will explain how http://www.intomobile.com/2010/04/04/video-ipad-pairing-with-apple-bluetooth-keyboard/ (3) Another complaint is that typing on the iPad can be difficult. Yes, I have found that the iPad’s keyboard is a little awkward for “regular” typing and that I use my index fingers a lot. If there were word processing software, typing would be an issue but since there isn’t, the keyboard is adequate for the little amount of typing that is required.
The pros are endless. (1) I had heard the iPad is great for gaming. While I am not a gamer, my 10 year-old son and I played Flight Control on the iPad. All I can say is, what fun! (2) The iPad’s speed and navigation have been praised, and I agree. I have found that the iPad is faster than a lot of desktop computers. (3) Many iPad users say that the iPad is simple to use. Being technology challenged, I can say that the iPad is extremely user-friendly. (4) One of the best advantages, is there are so many iPad applications to choose from—from gaming to finance. What is amazing, is many of the applications are free. Here’s a link of iPad Application Reviews - http://www.ipad-application-reviews.com/ and http://www.cnbc.com/id/39278839/ that you may find interesting.
You may have heard that colleges and universities around the country are now requiring iPads for learning. Here is an example:
http://blogs.abcnews.com/campuschatter/2010/07/ipads-for-everyone-at-seton-hills-university-.html.
Also, businesses are now using the iPad -- http://www.apple.com/ipad/business/profiles/ .
Do you think iPads will work here at JMU?
Other than cost, what would prevent you from using an iPad in your classes and research?
Hi Lin,
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate your look at the iPad through your own experiences - and your attempt to balance what you had 'heard' about it with your own 'reality' of using it. It is important to explore technologies and their relevance to the learning environment - from both the commercial hype and the user experience perspectives.
I think iPads have the potential to work almost anywhere! I don't personally own one, but I have also read about them and after reading your review, I feel that iPads (or a similar device) will become quite useful in various fields. I think the only thing that would deter me from using the iPad in my classes/research would be the keyboard function that you described. It's important to me to have a easily functioning keyboard when doing certain things. For example, the keyboard I'm using now is wireless, and it only works "normally" about 1/3 of the time. The rest of the time, it has a huge delay after each key I press, and many times the letters never show up on the screen! Needless to say, it is quite frustrating!
ReplyDeleteHowever, if the iPad were to be used just for researching simple terms and thoughts, I don't think I would find the keyboard too difficult. Only in scenarios where I would be typing long lines of text or paragraphs (which you described would probably not be what the iPad is used for anyway) would I find it difficult.
LIN...WHHHYYYYYY?!?!?!?! Haha, that is mainly in reference to the iPad staying in your closet untouched for almost a month. Your review is an interesting and helpful one, especially because you are self-proclaimed to be "technologically challenged". However like with anything else, you learned to navigate the device with some regular use. I feel I am pretty technologically savvy. This gives me confidence that I or most other students at JMU would eventually pick up on how to use the device as well. As technology continues to grow and expand, a device like this will probably soon become more widespread in a university environment. This would definitely work well here at JMU, but I don't think it is really necessary. We already have plenty of computer labs and you have the preference of using a PC or a Mac depending on the task you wish to complete or just for your own convenience and ease of use. The price is pretty much the only thing that would keep me from buying it for my own personal use. I have two laptops and I just don't see the advantage of having an iPad besides the obvious reason of having a new exclusive gadget. Afterall, it is an iPad!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Lin,
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on "technology challenged". I think I know just enough to be dangerous! I have not personally tried the iPad but a co-worker has it and loves it. She takes it to meetings for reference (calendar, email, etc) - but that is what I do with my blackberry. My husband calls me the gadget girl. I have my blackberry set up to get my email, I keep a document on it so I can check what dvd's we already have so we don't purchase duplicates. I also purchased a Kindle from amazon.com to do some reading on. I love it although I did try downloading a sample textbook and even using the zoom feature, the drawings were a little difficult to see.
One of the things that bugs me about this technology is the different devices let you download only specific places without a charge. Like only being able to download from amazon.com or from itunes. If I want to download books or items for my kindle from somewhere else I have to send it through amazon.com and there is a charge for doing this.
Since I don't have and have never used an iPad, I'm not sure how downloading books go or if there is a specific place you have to purchase from?
Recently I had the opportunity to explore someone's iPad and I LOVED it. It is so convenient, portable, and advanced. With that being said, I definitely would not mind having an iPad but it is hardly a necessity. I believe that many college students are much like me and an iPad might serve as another distraction in the classroom. Clearly there are obvious benefits but not so many that it is imperative that every student have one. After reading the article you posted about the iPads at the universities I have concluded that laptops are sufficient. I would not be pleased if I had to pay for someone else's laptop as well as purchase an ipad. I also like to read books that are tangible and having to read my textbooks online would be more of a nuisance. Despite my own objections, I could definitely see how JMU could easily begin their iPad conversion. In fact, I would hardly be surprised if we were asked to buy iPads in the near future.
ReplyDeleteAs an environmentalist, I think what a great idea. I know my kids would love to go to such a school. Then I think: what's the insurance going to cost, replacement cost and policy for lost or stolen? I think of how many cell phones, PS2s, and other valuable electronics disappeared from my family over the years. I've tried to imagine the Multimedia book that I've been reading at the lake while I'm fishing each week on the iPad instead. I worry enough about dropping my book off the peer. I don't really want to see this at JMU, but if I have to, I'll know where to come for advice. Thanks for sharing Lin.
ReplyDeleteLin, so nice to have a review from someone that's totally adept to technology. I would fall in that basket as well. I just purchased a 15" Mac Book Pro i7 (by the way, have no idea what that last part means, but my husband said we should go for that one) through the JMU bookstore. I'm starting to play around with it a bit more, but am still a little intimidated by it. I've learned how to scroll and click, but still can't figure out how to use four fingers to switch between screens...go figure! But enough about my ordeal, you asked a valid question.
ReplyDeleteYes, iPad will and ARE working here on campus. If you look around and folks in the senior administration and/or university marketing, public affairs, and communication this is the new normal way of doing business. In just one year I've gone from being in meetings with folks that have notepads and pens, to everyone having iPads. Now they're all looking at me like I'm from the stone age! I don't think the cost is prohibitive. In fact, I'm thinking of buying three for my department for various reasons. And now the new iPads that were just released have a function that allows you to print directly from it. I think the next step is for them to add a camera and it'll be golden. Have fun with your new iPad!
In light of the big push by Dr. Rose towards Environmental Stewardship, the new Apple iPad would definitely have great benefits. The amount of technology and information that can be accessed at any one time is phenomenal.
ReplyDeleteI know as a student I hated carrying around a book bag full of books. Keeping up with all the notes from 18 credits worth of classes wasn't easy either. The iPad gives students and faculty the options of using technology instead of wasting large of amounts of paper that eventually gets discarded. At some point there will be applications that will allow for whole uploads of textbooks, which would put JMU right where it wants to be with the Environmental Stewardship The average teacher usually presents class materials via some sort of instructional media, which would also be accessible through the iPad. Yes, you can make the argument that laptops can be used in the same way. However, a laptop is really a bulky eye sore that not only distracts you from the teacher but also others who may be sitting around you (especially behind you). With the iPad’s flat statue you keep the interaction between you and the teacher open, with no barrier of the flipped up monitor.
I currently have a new Dell laptop; however most of the software I’m working with runs smoother on Apple. Just by the looks of other post the iPads are becoming the new trend and it would be smart to invest in an Apple Product soon.
Personally the iPad seems like just a larger version of an ipod Touch. Personally i don't think that they are that great. Looking back at the features that i currently have on my ipod Touch compared to that of the iPad, i see no real difference other than a couple of newer applications (which of course can always be downloaded.) Trying to type on that thing is virtually impossible. I actually considered getting the iPad when it first came out, but i decided to wait. For the price of an iPad i would be better off just buying a MacBook Pro. One thing that i can say is that the IPad is great for "entertainment" use. The graphics and media elements are excellent, just doesn't seem real practical for everyday use.
ReplyDeleteI can see the iPad being most useful in the university setting as a textbook replacement. Considering the significant cost reduction of printing and materials and even shipping, this could really be the next big thing. Just look at Wired Magazine's integration with the iPad
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wwFbwHaP5tE
I really think if there was a great textbook app or even just an Apple textbook program that allows highlighting, scrolling features, and other innovating ways to navigate, we could see the iPad as a much more long term and cost effective textbook replacement.
I have an ipad for work, and the rest of the staff has one too. It's fun to play around with and use for taking notes. I also find the keypad to be cumbersome. I find it more challenging to type in small text boxes or other detail oriented work. That said, my staff agrees that the ipad is great for photographers who would like to show off their work on an easily portable device. It is also great for traveling when you would like to have access to the internet but don't want to carry around a laptop.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to future generations of this device. I expect USB capabilities, as well as an easy way to make file folders. Right now when you download something it goes directly to the desktop and there are no internal folders. I have not used the Mac office suite on it yet, so I'm curious as to how those files are stored and retrieved.
As for textbook replacement, I think the ipad is a fantastic option. I find it easy to read and turn the pages. I agree with Eric's post above. For the ipad (or any other e-reader) to really replace textbooks, there needs to be more interactivity for the user. We need to be able to mark it up just like a book, and have better labeling and searching options. I think if those could be achieved, the ipad would really take off. An e-reader app with a side bar for notes would really be a great tool. I have not been able to find one like that yet, if anyone knows of one, let please post it!
Overall I'd rate the iPad a C+ for its educational use as of now. It has a lot of fantastic potential, but as for now it is mostly for entertainment.
Today RIM (Blackberry) announced an iPad competitor, the "Playbook". It is being marketed as the first business oriented tablet. It will not be available until mid 2011. Check out the link below for more infomation.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/09/28/rim.blackberry.playbook.cnet/index.html
I have an ipad for work, and the rest of the staff has one too. It's fun to play around with and use for taking notes. I also find the keypad to be cumbersome. I find it more challenging to type in small text boxes or other detail oriented work. That said, my staff agrees that the ipad is great for photographers who would like to show off their work on an easily portable device. It is also great for traveling when you would like to have access to the internet but don't want to carry around a laptop.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to future generations of this device. I expect USB capabilities, as well as an easy way to make file folders. Right now when you download something it goes directly to the desktop and there are no internal folders. I have not used the Mac office suite on it yet, so I'm curious as to how those files are stored and retrieved.
As for textbook replacement, I think the ipad is a fantastic option. I find it easy to read and turn the pages. I agree with Eric's post above. For the ipad (or any other e-reader) to really replace textbooks, there needs to be more interactivity for the user. We need to be able to mark it up just like a book, and have better labeling and searching options. I think if those could be achieved, the ipad would really take off. An e-reader app with a side bar for notes would really be a great tool. I have not been able to find one like that yet, if anyone knows of one, let please post it!
Overall I'd rate the iPad a C+ for its educational use as of now. It has a lot of fantastic potential, but as for now it is mostly for entertainment.
Today RIM (Blackberry) announced an iPad competitor, the "Playbook". It is being marketed as the first business oriented tablet. It will not be available until mid 2011. Check out the link below for more infomation.
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/gaming.gadgets/09/28/rim.blackberry.playbook.cnet/index.html
Lin, Great post! I still don't know what I think about the Ipad and its potential contribution to colleges and universities. I was toying with the idea of buying an ipad just to put in my living room for anyone's use. I thought it would be convenient and useful to have. I realized I already have 2 laptops and a desktop and thought that it was an extremely unnecessary purchase. So as of now, yes i believe the ipad would be cool to utilize throughout universities, but I really don't think it is a necessary expense.
ReplyDeleteI think the iPad "idea" is a great concept. I do feel that there are drawbacks and it is the very one you mentioned, microsoft office capabilities. I feel that if I were to get an ipad I would need it to have all of the features of a laptop. I just feel by the end of it I would be carrying way too many gadgets, cell phone,ipod, laptop and whatever else I would like to eliminate one of those to decrease the load. I think it would nice to have in university settings, but just like anything else it can be a distraction.
ReplyDelete