[FerrariEnzo]

so as I drove home this morning, I was listening on The Beat and they were talking about more and more schools are not using iPads as learning tools.

I personally think its ridiculous for elementary schools to use it and replace the pencil/paper, are they serious.
High schools, i can see it being used to replaces text books, just click and you can update without having to buy a new set. Chances are kids will use it to play games instead to do their homework.
College and University I can definitely see it.

I did some google'ing and heres an article by the NY Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/education/05tablets.html)

How romantic would it be to write someone a love poem and not know how to hold a pencil/pen.. are you going to say.. "Did you get my txt?"

what do you guys think...

[604dragon]

more and more schools are not using iPads as learning tools.


should be the other way around

[gloors]

:facepalm: seriously? Kids these days just keep getting lazier and lazier.. And they reward them with iPads? How's the kid supposed to learn how to write shit.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[ilvtofu]

Id imagine the schools would find a way to keep it for educational purposes. There aren't any games like solitaire or minesweeper built in. I think it's neat to see kids watchin videos on a sharp iPad rather than the microwave on a trolley that we'd wheel around in elementary school with a corner that was perpetually purple. My only concern is the budget because I don't feel the iPad is a replacement for a full on desktop computer. Although in a few more years that might not be the case. I guess its the way of the future in a sense but the beat always blows this kinda thing way out of proportion. I remember going to the computer lab as the shit in elementary and even high school even though there really wasn't much you could do on them with all the blocked sites and what not...

As a tool i think it's awesome but it'll never replace pen and paper.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[CorneringArtist]

I remember my elementary school's computer lab, all iMacs with those funky-coloured cases. If something like the iPad replaces pen and paper, I can only imagine how much handwriting will go to shit.

[AzNightmare]

I feel like my handwriting is going to shit already.
Since I work on the computer so much now, I barely ever have to write much.

Definitely teach the kids in elementary school how to write properly though. It's just basics.

:lol

I remember my grade 7 teacher one day, out of random, just got pissed and yelled at the class to start
writing better because more than half the class was writing like kindergarten kids.

Then he gave everyone those practice sheets with the rows of 3 guide lines to practice our writing.

:fuuuuu:

[FI-Z33]

^ LOL WRITE PROPERLY.

oooh i remember those colourful macs...weren't they called eMacs or sth? haha idk.

i think it's retarded for kids to use IPADs in school..thats why you see kids getting more and more stupid every year imo AND so many kids are wearing glasses nowadays with THICK lenses

[gloors]

^ The glasses thing is a good point as well :thumbsup:
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[twitchyzero]

Ipads, are you serious?

I thought the school board was getting budget cuts left right and center...surely a $100 P4 computer is enough to meet the learning needs of K-7 students.

All I had in grade 3 was All The Right Type 2 running on Microsoft 2.0 dos
http://i.d.com.com/i/dl/media/dlimage/15/10/1/15101_large.jpeg

[MG1]

In the right hands, a class set of iPads can work wonders. Should we go back to quill and ink while we're at it? How about slate and chisel?

Times have changed. I agree that the basics are important and they will always be priority one, but in this digital age, you either get on board with technology or be left behind.

For the dumb kids, the iPad would be more or less a toy, but in the hands of kids who are bright..............

[jmvdesign]

Oregon Trail over any Ipad apps any day.

[Ch28]

Oregon Trail on a Macintosh ftw
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[taylor192]

Studies show that people do not retain as much information when reading from a screen vs reading from books. These studies included eInk screens too. Thus if you want to do best in school, buy books.

I know some of the private schools are looking into it for 2 reasons:
1. Cheaper books, electronic copies are typically cheap, even though the iPad initially is expensive.
2. Less real estate. Books take up a lot of room, in schools and in backpacks.

Makes sense, yet since learning from paper is better I still prefer to buy books.

[InvisibleSoul]

:facepalm: seriously? Kids these days just keep getting lazier and lazier.. And they reward them with iPads? How's the kid supposed to learn how to write shit.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/handwriting/kindergarten.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/handwriting/elementary.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/handwriting/middle.jpg
http://s3.amazonaws.com/theoatmeal-img/comics/handwriting/keyboard.jpg

[illicitstylz]

emacs in elementary for nanosaur

http://www.pangeasoft.net/nano/images/screenshots/nano7.jpg

[ilvtofu]

Anyone remember this?
http://games.softpedia.com/screenshots/Crosscountry-Canada-2_3.jpg

[drunkrussian]

lol a lotta the ppl posting in this thread are making up bullshit excuses why this wouldn't work. In reality, you're just scared of change and hate on progress.

1. teaching via ipads would make the learning way more productive, interesting and ultimately effective. My old company designed e-Learning courses and if you look at high-end schools employing these types of methods and then monitor the students vs. traditional schools, you'll see it works much better

2. you can easily block out games, apps etc. with corporate device management software - most schools have contracts with such companies anyway, to protect and secure their computers. My current company does this, including ipad management software.

3. the kids would still know how to write - through english class, where they would be taught how to write. Down the line if you want you can probably turn iPads into tablets and have students write, just without the paper and pen, but instead on the screen. This will save paper

4. i grew up in an era where handwriting wasn't taught either and i wasn't born in canada. However my handwriting is pretty good and i can handwrite. Blame yourself. Other than that though, we don't live in a world where handwirting is essential - only printing is. If you think this is wrong, don't blame iPads - with or without iPads, kids are not being taught to write properly. Blame the system...

[The_AK]

By introducing ipads into the classroom arent we simply putting more dependence on technology? I for one disapprove of this.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[Ikkaku]

on the theme of games we played back in elementary school

I don't know about you, but I was always on the run looking for Carmen Sandiego
http://www.sheeparcade.com/resources/free/images/screenshots/where-in-the-world-is-carmen-sandiego_1.jpg

and making state of the art animation using hypercard on our imacs

[InvisibleSoul]

By introducing ipads into the classroom arent we simply putting more dependence on technology? I for one disapprove of this.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)
That's just the reality of living in the 21st century.

[TOS'd]

I still write notes with pen(cil) and paper.

[CorneringArtist]

Anyone remember this?
http://games.softpedia.com/screenshots/Crosscountry-Canada-2_3.jpg

:fuckyea: Cross-country Canada!

I remember Oregon Trail, I played it almost every indoor recess, and I have it lying around somewhere in my desktop computer. What stumps me to this day is how someone can die of a broken arm (it happened to me).

This is the older version of OT, but still...
http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/20/2092/LOU2D00Z/posters/the-oregon-trail-you-have-died-of-dysentery.jpg

[Manic!]

For the price of an Ipad why not get real computers. Whats the benefit of learning how to use an app.

In Nanaimo some schools are still using Windows 95.

[TheKingdom2000]

It would make more sense if the schools used an Android based tablet.
It's way cheaper and the code for specific apps are easier to write imo.

The biggest advantage to and android tablet is the cost... and since our education system has no money (or limited amount of it), this would be a more viable option if this is actually being proposed.

[drunkrussian]

It would make more sense if the schools used an Android based tablet.
It's way cheaper and the code for specific apps are easier to write imo.

The biggest advantage to and android tablet is the cost... and since our education system has no money (or limited amount of it), this would be a more viable option if this is actually being proposed.

in a year there will be an article about how schools rae using androids. Studies show that in a year, andriods will dominate in the workplace for corporate use.

[AzNightmare]

Anyone remember this?
http://games.softpedia.com/screenshots/Crosscountry-Canada-2_3.jpg

The fck is this??!


You make me look old.
This IS what it's supposed to look like.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCVQFzBAu14

[Sandman]

http://ui13.gamefaqs.com/140/gfs_53405_2_13.jpg

[Euro7r]

Can't believe a Vancouver school is balling enough to buy Ipads for their school. Need to send my kids there for learning one day LOL.

[EmperorIS]

http://www.dosgames.cc/screenshotxl/cosmo/cosmos-cosmic-adventure-screenshot.png

[illicitstylz]

DINOSAUR MOTHERFUCKING TYCOON

[Manic!]

http://instructify.com/files/2010/04/math_blaster_shot.gif

i wouldn't be surprised if Nanaimo school kids are still playing this.

[StylinRed]

id rather have one of these tablets

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzGgOY7D-0A
http://evolvethree.com.au/meego-slate.html

[Noir]

Those ipads will be crap in a year. The problem with shared technology is nobody operates it like they own it.

Schools like BCIT, AI, et al can spend a shit ton on their computer labs and within a year, every user will be competing for fully functioning, non-glitchy, non-abused hardwares.


But yes, I'm all for more technology influence in our education; the above is just a "minor" peeve of mine.

[milkmilk101]

I think why people are against using ipad as learning toold for kids because most people take ipad as a toy or a mini computer for leisure purposes. Seriously, how often or ever have you written your school essay on an ipad? most people dont. Yet, we are living in a digital world now and using computer as a learning tool is getting more and more common. Think about when computer first get common as a personal computer (PC) and school use it as learning tools, there are people who said the same thing as now. Now looking back, thats not a big deal at all.

[dimdiu]

one of my sister's colleague was forced to buy an ipad for his 8 years old because his son goes to a private school. What kind of shit is this?! At least elementary should avoid using electronic as a teaching tool. At least wait til high school

[Manic!]

I think why people are against using ipad as learning toold for kids because most people take ipad as a toy or a mini computer for leisure purposes. Seriously, how often or ever have you written your school essay on an ipad? most people dont. Yet, we are living in a digital world now and using computer as a learning tool is getting more and more common. Think about when computer first get common as a personal computer (PC) and school use it as learning tools, there are people who said the same thing as now. Now looking back, thats not a big deal at all.

I'm against it because it's over $500 for something used to just run apps. Kids should be learning how to make apps not launch them.

Some members of the Toronto school board have the right idea. They want all text books to go digital but not be device specific. So people can read read them on there computer, e-reader, cellphone or tablet.

[MG1]

I'm against it because it's over $500 for something used to just run apps.

If it's there to run apps, like Word, Excel, etc. then I have to agree with you, but the iPad and devices like it can be more than that. It's interactive, collaborative, etc. Kids can respond to a teacher's questions and students' input can be put up on the projector or Smart board. Tests can be administered and instant questionnaires and shit can be incorporated into the lessons. Graphs and charts can be created on the fly and it opens up all kinds of possibilities for instant collaborative work within the class, around the school, across the district, the province, the country, the planet. There really is no limit to how it can be used. Engaging kids - that's the secret. In the right hands, the kids will not want to play any fucking lame games when learning is meaningful/relevant.

Like I said before, it is a tool. How people use it is another question.


I can almost guarantee you that most of the time, the technology will not be used properly. How many educatiors out there are comfortable with technology or have the creative insight to take advantage of the technology? Our Universities are not training future teachers for technology as they are so behind themselves in this area. Premier whatshisnuts talks about how our children will be leaders in the technology field, yada yada yada.........yet no plans are in place.

Then there's the problem of getting this technology into the right hands. There are teachers out there that can take advantage of the technology but are not able to get their hands on it while another teacher/school/district has the technology and it sits there not being utilized properly. I like what Best Buy is doing by awarding prize money to schools that come up with great technology plans. Again, the corporate world making a difference while the government fucks things up.

I wish I had more time to get into this further, but this is RS.

[CorneringArtist]

Like I said before, it is a tool. How people use it is another question.


I can almost guarantee you that most of the time, the technology will not be used properly. How many educatiors out there are comfortable with technology or have the creative insight to take advantage of the technology? Our Universities are not training future teachers for technology as they are so behind themselves in this area. Premier whatshisnuts talks about how our children will be leaders in the technology field, yada yada yada.........yet no plans are in place.

Then there's the problem of getting this technology into the right hands. There are teachers out there that can take advantage of the technology but are not able to get their hands on it while another teacher/school/district has the technology and it sits there not being utilized properly. I like what Best Buy is doing by awarding prize money to schools that come up with great technology plans. Again, the corporate world making a difference while the government fucks things up.

I wish I had more time to get into this further, but this is RS.

I agree with you on the usage aspect. Most of the older teachers may not know how to use newer technology (some of my teachers in high school barely knew how to use e-mail or electronic attendance systems), but as younger, more tech-savvy teachers come in to replace them, they'll likely know what to do with it, and how to use it to make sure it's relevant to the curriculum. They may not have had formal training in using it in a classroom setting, but they might have an iPad personally or has technological know-how from general computer use.

No matter how forward a school district can think, there's always a way that a student can misuse a fresh idea. The iPad might be good for portability and apps (and possibly e-textbooks like someone else said-good idea), but if I was a teacher, I'd rather wheel in some laptops for my students to use.

[MG1]

I agree with you on the usage aspect. Most of the older teachers may not know how to use newer technology (some of my teachers in high school barely knew how to use e-mail or electronic attendance systems), but as younger, more tech-savvy teachers come in to replace them, they'll likely know what to do with it, and how to use it to make sure it's relevant to the curriculum. They may not have had formal training in using it in a classroom setting, but they might have an iPad personally or has technological know-how from general computer use.

No matter how forward a school district can think, there's always a way that a student can misuse a fresh idea. The iPad might be good for portability and apps (and possibly e-textbooks like someone else said-good idea), but if I was a teacher, I'd rather wheel in some laptops for my students to use.


Hmmmm.......... from my experience being on the PAC (Parent Advisory Council) at my kids' schools for umpteen years, it's the older teachers who embrace the technology and integrate it properly into the curriculum. Newer teachers barely keep their heads above water with classroom management and dealings with crazy parents, red tape, etc.

Also, secondary teachers are more specialists and teach their particular subject area as opposed to the generalists you see in elementary and middle schools. Also, more impact, the younger the students are.

Older, more established teachers have the time to learn the technology - masters/post baccalaureate/doctorate degrees, professional development opportunities, etc. Technology in education is a big topic nowadays in post grad work. Too bad it isn't there for undergrads. Finding good profs who know what the hell they are doing is hard to find, I guess. In post grad, it's more student driven and less course work. Actually, those teachers who take post grad courses and do well, often get seconded by the university or ministry of education to be leaders in technology.

BTW, the iPad is more versatile than a laptop.

[Manic!]

BTW, the iPad is more versatile than a laptop.

Not even close. A laptop is way more versatile. Making a power point presentation or a custom slide show would be next impossible on an Ipad.
Can you even print from an Ipad?

[MG1]

Not even close. A laptop is way more versatile. Making a power point presentation or a custom slide show would be next impossible on an Ipad.
Can you even print from an Ipad?

You are looking at this from one point only - trafitional POV. Anyway, not going to argue over it. I've already spent too much time in this thread.

[FerrariEnzo]

how are you going to teach your kids to do crafts?

my son was doing coloring on the computer... theres a site that have pictures of disney characters and you point and click and color it in.. WTF is this... is this how you want your kids to learn how to color.. with a mouse???

took him off the computer and went to an indoor playground...

[Makariri]

Wow...Steve Jobs has done his marketing well...

I do agree with introducing technology into the classroom at an earlier age. To avoid it is to impede progress I think. But this needs to be balanced with continued efforts to maintain the quality of your written (or typed) and oral communication skills. I do worry about the excessive time spent in front of a monitor where everything is virtual as opposed to dealing with things in reality.

I also think that spending the time and effort to learn and maintain decent handwriting skills exercises more than your hands - it stretches your brain and I think helps you learn to focus. Don't get me wrong, my handwriting ain't gonna win any calligraphy contests or anything, but sometimes doing things the hard way (i.e. handwriting a letter or report) can be a good thing for someone's development.

[Manic!]

You are looking at this from one point only - trafitional POV. Anyway, not going to argue over it. I've already spent too much time in this thread.

Trust me I've look at every point of view. It's a waste of money for schools.

[MG1]

Nobody is saying this stuff will/should replace good ol' books and the learning of basic skills/understanding of key concepts. The education system today is being stretched to the limit because of poor parenting - kids are way less prepared for school when entering the system than when we were toddlers. The basics are still priority one. However, we need to challenge those who are capable - shouldn't teach to the lowest common denominator. Damn it...... no more. It's all giving me a headache. I log onto RS to veg out and to be entertained, not think. LOLOLOL

[goo3]

Studies show that people do not retain as much information when reading from a screen vs reading from books. These studies included eInk screens too. Thus if you want to do best in school, buy books.

I know some of the private schools are looking into it for 2 reasons:
1. Cheaper books, electronic copies are typically cheap, even though the iPad initially is expensive.
2. Less real estate. Books take up a lot of room, in schools and in backpacks.

Makes sense, yet since learning from paper is better I still prefer to buy books.

But if you have the pdf, you can print it and upload a soft copy to the cloud :fullofwin:

[The_AK]

:fuckyea: Cross-country Canada!

I remember Oregon Trail, I played it almost every indoor recess, and I have it lying around somewhere in my desktop computer. What stumps me to this day is how someone can die of a broken arm (it happened to me).

This is the older version of OT, but still...
http://cache2.allpostersimages.com/p/LRG/20/2092/LOU2D00Z/posters/the-oregon-trail-you-have-died-of-dysentery.jpg

Speaking of which,
theres a new Oregon Trail out for the iPhone (i think iPad too)
Its NOT bad

[underscore]

One of the problems I can see with this is the durability. Apple products aren't always the most durable, do you really think a 5 year old kid is gonna be gentle with their backpack? Fuck no, you should all remember, you get to the playground or your friends house and you toss that bitch aside and go have fun.

That and using an Apple product, well shit it's outdated 20 mins after it gets released. So fuck cost effectiveness by buying these things, because it won't be supported within a couple years.

If they want to do this to replace textbooks, then they need to get them from a company making a combination toughbook - ereader - tablet. That way it won't get killed if the kid drops it, the batteries won't always be dead (because lets be honest, a 5 year old won't remember to charge their ipad), and they can go online to select sites for more info.

I think it's neat to see kids watchin videos on a sharp iPad rather than the microwave on a trolley that we'd wheel around in elementary school with a corner that was perpetually purple.

That's a bit of a price jump... you can buy 1 kid an ipad or just buy a new LCD TV, same price... when I finished HS they had overhead projectors hooked to the teachers desktop computer in some rooms, and projectors on carts to wheel into the other rooms (these are proper projectors, not the ones you can write on like some of you may be thinking).

one of my sister's colleague was forced to buy an ipad for his 8 years old because his son goes to a private school. What kind of shit is this?! At least elementary should avoid using electronic as a teaching tool. At least wait til high school

Problem #1 right there. But I do agree, that's fucking stupid.

[tgill]

Seems like a pretty bad idea to buy a 1st generation consumer electronics device, that is designed to be replaced every year.

1) Every Ipad needs to be tied to a specific computer and itunes account to be updated and activated.

2) After 3 years the generation of iPad reaches end of life and cannot be updated further.

3)Because the ipad will have reached endoflife the school will be unable to redownload needed apps from itunes because developers have since updated their apps past what what that generation is capable of software wise.

What will be the end result? Even more kids that have zero knowledge of actually computers or technology because they were taught to use apples magical apps. The education system already does an awful job educating students and faculty on how to use this shit.

I took a course at Langara just last semester called BCAP1200 (major gpa booster), this is a course designed to educate business students on computer use and purchasing computers. The amount of bullshit these people were taught was outstanding even starting with the wrong terminology like 2.4G is the processor speed or 250Gig is storage capacity.

[Nintensity]

And here I am, thinking that the VSB is already in dept.... now they want to spend even more money on more, flamboyant things that will make them bankrupt.

[FI-Z33]

so yea...found out Blaire Elementary is one of the first schools to get the iPad in Richmond...

LOL they're even trying to ask parents to donate and fund for the device..a kid (who goes to Blaire) i know's mom was like "HELL NO"

[underscore]

I hate fundraising... "lets get lots of other people to chip in so that I can do cool stuff/have cool things" what a fucking scam.

[Manic!]

Just wait 6 months till Ipad 2 comes out. Then they can start fund raising all over again.

Most teachers have no clue when it comes to tech. back in the day when I was in High school and you could only get dial up a couple of students were running a FTP site from the school computer. Teachers had no idea.

[InvisibleSoul]

Back when I was in elementary, I was the one fixing the 386's. :lol

[Oleophobic]

back in my days...
SPACESTATION PHETA!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d5/Spacestation_Pheta.png

[jasonturbo]

Instead of the schools spending all that money on IPAD's, I think they should pay the teachers more.

Teachers are not paid very well compared to what a motivated individual can make working for a private company.. when you consider the amount of influence that teacher has, you would think that paying well and trying to attract brighter and more devoted teachers would be of some importance.

Just a quick brain dump, but I'm sure you get the idea.

[snowball]

Instead of the schools spending all that money on IPAD's, I think they should pay the teachers more.

Teachers are not paid very well compared to what a motivated individual can make working for a private company.. when you consider the amount of influence that teacher has, you would think that paying well and trying to attract brighter and more devoted teachers would be of some importance.

Just a quick brain dump, but I'm sure you get the idea.

You're about to open a new can of worms....


I would prefer they used the money to hire more teachers, there's a correlation between classroom size and quality of education regardless of who the teacher is. Smaller classrooms allow more one-on-one time between the teacer and student.

Either way, almost every district is experiencing declinign enrollment and restricted budgets. Most districts are running major deficits this year especially the VSB.

[FerrariEnzo]

or use to money to EXPAND schools.. more and more people living in BC now..

[Manic!]

or use to money to EXPAND schools.. more and more people living in BC now..

The enrollment in many places is actually down.

[murd0c]

WOW you guys talking about all these computers. I remember my teacher making me write in codes in one of these bad boys and I couldn't stand doing it cause I wanted to go out side and play. Man times have changed and it's really really sad :(

[Greenstoner]

back in my time in computer lab


http://www.klopfenstein.net/public/Uploads/lorenz/games/prince_of_persia/start_screen.jpg
http://ridwankhodabux.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/prince-of-persia.gif

[taylor192]

or use to money to EXPAND schools.. more and more people living in BC now..

The enrollment in many places is actually down.

In Vancouver enrollment is down, yet Surrey cannot keep up.

[twitchyzero]

Instead of the schools spending all that money on IPAD's, I think they should pay the teachers more.

Teachers are not paid very well compared to what a motivated individual can make working for a private company.. when you consider the amount of influence that teacher has, you would think that paying well and trying to attract brighter and more devoted teachers would be of some importance.

Just a quick brain dump, but I'm sure you get the idea.

Teachers get one of the best pensions around to compensate..and I agree with the other poster..instead of increasing teacher wages they need to hire more teachers. I think it was just last year where if you didn't have more than 5 years of teaching at VSB you were very likely to lose your job.

In Vancouver enrollment is down, yet Surrey cannot keep up.
I guess it's still declining with the elementary schools in Vancouver closing down...sad really. I went to speak with one of my teachers before she retired few years ago and the increasing real estate in the area was to blame...basically kids in the area all grew up and the first time buyers/young family just couldn't afford the housing in the catchment.

[will068]

back in my time in computer lab

prince of persia...



:fuckyea: