iPads in learning journal articles

When we started investigating the use of iPads in schools here at Catholic Education Parramatta there was little in the way of journal articles published about their use in learning and teaching. We utilised what range of resources we could find on blogs and websites and via networks.

Recently SCAN journal published an article I wrote around our schools' experience in using iPads in learning and thought it would be timely to look at what was available for schools from educational journals to supplement material they find elsewhere on the web and to assist further in their decision making on whether to go with iPads as a learning tool and/or to get teaching and learning ideas.


Exploring iPads in learning
Nash, Lisa, Scan, Volume 31, February 2012

This article discusses how iPad are being used in learning in Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta to personalise and enhance learning. Includes an extensive list of Apps used across our schools. An excerpt from the article is provided at the SCAN webpage or see your school library or Learning Exchange for access to the SCAN journal.

Also included in this issue of SCAN another article regarding the use of iPads in learning.
Kellyville High iPad trial, Ingrid Simpson, Scan vol 31, no 1, Feb pp30-32.
You can subscribe to SCAN for $100 a year, with an online option being available for the next issue.

Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta iPad trial 2010 report findings
iPads in Schools: Use Testing 
iPads in Schools: Use Testing - Executive Summary
For access to the above reports see our Research page in the 2011 year section.

from p2 of the executive summary:
".......the pilot found that the iPad is a significant tool to support and enhance student learning. The iPad showed extensive affordances as a learning tool (due in part to its portability and fit-for-task suitability) especially in relation to the development of Critical Thinking, Problem Solving


From Education Today:
An Apple dilemma: MacBooks or iPads for my school?
Doug Loader Education today 11 October 2011 [viewed 23 March 2012]
This article provides some useful points to consider when looking at the pros and cons of iPads v laptops in a school.

Reading with iPads – the difference makes a difference
Dale Sheppard, Education today 11 August 2011, [viewed 23 March 2012]
In comparison to a recent study that found iPads increased Kindergarten literacy scores in Auburn Maine, this study of two Australian Yr 6 classes totalling 43 students last year found that although the students participating in the study reported an increase in engagement when using the iPad, there was not a corresponding rise in achievement. In fact, among young “low” readers, their comprehension scores actually decreased.

The following articles are available to our teachers via our Ebschost database via Staffnet. If you have trouble accessing the article please contact Learning Exchange.

Learning Together: The Evolution of a 1:1 iPad Program,
Internet@Schools, 19, 1, pp. 14-18, Computer Source, EBSCOhost, [viewed 23 March 2012].
Discusses Westlake High School's iPad pilot Will the iPad's portability, ability to be personalized, and functionality impact its effectiveness in a school setting? In answering this question, so much depends on the purposes for which it is intended; the pedagogy accompanying its use; training afforded to teachers; the methods for implementing the new technology; and the tech support provided. By conducting 1:1 implementation in a pilot format, we are focused on these issues while we move through the process, keeping a close eye on what is working and what the impacts of the project are.

Palser, B 2011, The Ins and Outs of iPad Apps, American Journalism Review, 33, 1, pp. 46-51, Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost, [viewed 23 March 2012].
Looking at developing an App with your students or yourself, this is an excellent article on how to present your content in an App. The article looks at emerging best practices of news organisation apps.

Smith, V 2012, What Makes a Great App, Kirkus Reviews, 80, 2, p. 189, Literary Reference Center, EBSCOhost, [viewed 23 March 2012].
This article explores the features of a good book app that enhances reading and connects with its target group.

If any of our readers can suggest any other useful articles please post a comment with the article information.