iPad implementation in schools

Abstract

As technology changes at an ever-increasing rate in today's world, it is vital that schools are adopting these new advancements as quickly as possible. One example of this is Apple's iPad. This tablet device has gained in popularity in the consumer world quickly, as a tool for both business and pleasure. Beyond the entertainment value, iPads hold high potential to add tremendously to educational success. However, the newness and excitement of the device has driven some school districts to blindly purchase the iPads as soon as possible, without a formal plan in place. In this manner, it is likely that these schools are not realizing the full value of their investment. To best prepare a school for the purchase of a set of iPads, it is important for the school to have an implementation plan and a set of policies to govern the use of the tools. More importantly, it is imperative that schools translate these plans, policies, and procedures into structured professional development (PD) sessions for the teachers. These sessions should follow the logical steps leading up to implementation, and continue through the early and later phases of use in the schools. The PD plans should include introductions to the iPads, initial training on policies procedures, on-going training on operating the devices, and continued support and assessment, both formal and informal. With a solid implementation plan, including PD, incorporating iPads into a school's curriculum will add tremendous value to the learning experience.