As I mentioned recently, the iPad's essence is in content consumption. This school has already realized that the iPad is more efficient and productive than textbooks, planners, and backpacks. Think of the uses for Google Maps, TED Talks, and Wolfram Alpha. Add the eClicker app (free) and you have a student responder as well. This is going to be moving fast, keep an eye on it!
http://wcco.com/education/ipads.for.students.2.1628182.html
Apr 12, 2010 6:11 pm US/Central
Rural Minn. School Replaces Books With iPads
Rural Minnesota is leading the nation in the future of learning.
The latest Apple sensation -- the iPad -- has been in stores for a little more than a week. But already the consolidated school in Winthrop is set to put one in the hands of every student.
"They're so savvy with computer technology, it doesn't take much to get going," said Principal Jeff Bertrang, as he watched a group of his students tap out a test drive on the new iPad.The iPad can access the Internet, hold the contents of books and provide a place for notes.The Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop School Board turned a new page on learning by approving $265,000 on this high-tech program. In addition to buying 230 iPads, it will upgrade all school buildings with Wi-Fi and provide technical training for everyone starting next year."The plan is that every student at GFW high school gets an iPad to use," said Bertrang. "Then we're going to have a team of teachers and students get together to figure out the how-to part."Gone are the days of old-fashioned notes and expensive, heavy textbooks."This probably weighs one to two pounds," said high school junior Spencer Kruggel, holding an iPad. "And this is 20 to 30 pounds," he said, as he lifted his backpack."I think this is more effective, and once we know how to use it, pretty easy," Kruggel said.Teacher Bill Armstrong wants to upgrade his classroom curriculum."I'll need to be trained in, but I'm pretty excited about it," Armstrong said.The education apps appear to be unlimited."It's a tool to use in the classroom for learning and the teachers are still going to be facilitators with outcomes and expectations," Beltrang said. "But the kids can teach us a lot about it and we're more than happy to learn from them as well." Apple Computer is providing the school with some extra assistance. If this works out, the school in Winthrop could become a model for the nation. Joan Gilbertson, Producer
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