iPads in Schools: What are the Benefits?

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Technological advancements impact the way we do a lot of things, including how we learn. Whether we like it or not, classrooms are embracing the digital era, replacing blackboards with smart boards and books with tablets. A favourite amongst educators and students, iPads are becoming increasingly integral to school curriculums. They boost student engagement, foster better learning outcomes and improve digital literacy skills. With over 15,000 education apps in the Apple App Store that cater to students of all ages and encompass knowledge across a variety of academic disciplines, iPads are a valuable resource that augment the learning experience. The iPad is now an essential tool in modern teaching, and it’s not hard to see why.

11 Benefits of Using iPads in Schools

1. No Student Left Behind

Every student is unique, learning at different paces and in different ways. It can be challenging, if not impossible, for educators to craft lessons that cater to each students individual needs. iPads can help bridge this gap, so no child is left behind. Through the use of iPad devices, students can engage with the content at their own pace, in a way that makes sense for them. For instance, visual learners may prefer to watch instructional videos, while others may choose to work through practice scenarios for a learn by doing approach. iPads are also designed for versatility, whether you choose to use the touch screen, or connect an external keyboard for a more traditional laptop setup. This allows students to work in a way that is comfortable for them, making it a great learning tool for students with special accommodations. The ability to customise the learning experience is one of the greatest advantages of using iPads in the classroom, as it ensures that each student has the support, tools and resources they need to succeed.

2. Easy to Use

iPads are one of the easiest technological devices to pilot. The operating system is far more simplistic and straightforward than laptops and desktop computers. They’re so intuitive that even toddlers can use them! The interactive multitouch display and all-in-one components make it easier for students to take a hands-on approach with their learning. For children who lack motor skills, this is particularly advantageous as they often have difficulty manoeuvring between a keyboard, mouse and screen.

3. A Library of Resources

Who needs the library when you have one at your fingertips? The days of digging through hundreds of books for information are over! Thanks to the internet, all it takes is a couple of taps and students have access to a plethora of Open Educational Resources (OER) including books, journals, videos and websites. The iPad itself enables students to download thousands of educational apps from the Apple App Store. Calculators, atlases, foreign languages…there’s an app for everything! Apple will even offer schools a generous discount on bulk purchases. A review of studies in the Journals of Computer Assisted Learning determined that the overwhelming majority of students who used digital tools showed positive gains in “literacy development, mathematics, science, problem-solving.” iPads are making it easier than ever for students to grasp challenging material, thanks to the never-ending fountain of knowledge in the palm of their hand.

4. Boosting Student Engagement

One of the greatest challenges educators face is delivering learning content in a way that engages their pupils. Thankfully, most students in this day and age are technologically savvy. Incorporating devices like iPads in the classroom can be a great technique in capturing their attention and bolstering student participation. In addition, instructional apps often ‘gamify’ education, mixing elements of learning, interactivity and fun together to create a more enjoyable educational experience. One study in Northern Ireland even discovered that children who used digital tools referred to learning as “play”. iPads also help support independent study, as students can test their knowledge through interactive quizzes and virtual flashcards.

5. Encourages Creativity

iPads have all the bells and whistles to help students unlock their creative potential. Filming and editing videos, designing graphic presentations, composing music, experiencing virtual field trips through augmented reality – iPads can facilitate new and innovating ways to complete educational tasks. The tablet design encourages students to take an active role in their learning, while also providing endless opportunities to express themselves creatively. The next generation of artists, designers and entrepreneurs might have learned it all on an iPad!

6. Portability

iPads are lightweight, compact and less cumbersome than the majority of other learning devices. Their streamline design make them particularly well suited to learning environments, as students can easily transport them between classes, to outdoor excursions or even on field trips! Beyond offering a truly mobile learning experience, iPads can also be used to encourage students to interact with their environment. There is a host of features that allow students to digitally capture, record and document their surroundings. Many educational facilities such as zoos, aquariums and museums also offer facility-specific content that may be accessed through iPads via an app or QR code.

7. Learning Digital Literacy

Digital literacy is becoming an essential part of our everyday lives. It is estimated that 87% of jobs in Australia now require some degree of digital skills. Exposing children to intuitive devices like iPads at any early age can help them build a foundational knowledge, allowing computing technology to become second nature and helping them adapt to any new technological innovations. While students may not have to worry about their careers quite yet, schools can still set them up for success. The next Steve Jobs might even be sitting in your classroom!

8. No More Paper

Looking to reduce your schools carbon footprint? Switching to a paperless, digital format is a great way for schools to help the environment. Every year over 4 million tonnes of paper is used in Australia, nearly half of which isn’t recycled. iPads eliminate the need for paper in the classroom, even art classes can be conducted on them thanks to the touch screen display! Going paperless can have a huge impact on the environment and help make our world cleaner and more sustainable for future generations.

9. Economical

Did you know that schools in Australia spend over $20,000 each year on paper? iPads can often be a more economical purchase, as they reduce the need to print, photocopy and file documents. Using less paper also saves time, as teachers spent up to 10% of their administrative time managing paperwork, with only 1% devoted to lesson planning, fundraising and professional development. Furthermore, digital versions of learning assets are often much better value for money. For example, e-textbooks are usually far cheaper than their physical counterparts and aren’t subject to wear and tear.

10. Better Organisation

Whether they’re in kindy or university, many students struggle with keeping their assignments, books and learning materials organised. Messy folders, lost sheets and forgotten homework are a nightmare for teachers to deal with. Thankfully, iPads can help consolidate all important documents, schoolwork, books and other learning materials into one place. Any lost files can also be located by simply using the iPads search bar. iPads also support a number of apps designed for note-taking, studying and keeping on track of assessment due dates. In addition, iPads can minimise the amount of manual grading and reporting required of teachers. Apps like Khan Academy and Kahoot offer a variety of lessons and quizzes for all ages on subjects like math, history, science and English. It records students results in real time, offering instant grades and feedback.

11. Direct Communication

Let’s face it, when it comes to communication a lot can get lost in translation. How many notes from teachers never make it home to parents? Whether intentional or accidental, the bottom line is that important communication can often be misplaced or overlooked. This is almost never the case with digital data. iPads can connect students, teachers and parents to ensure that all important communications are properly sent and received. The ‘I forgot’ excuse will simply no longer do! Teachers now have the ability to track their students progress and email any feedback, congratulations or concerns to parents in real time. Better access to grades and reports also helps parents get more involved in their children’s schoolwork. A study named “Parental Involvement in Education” found that when parents engaged more with their child’s education, it lead to reduced absences and better academic performance.

Conclusion

iPads are not only a great vehicle of education, but they help students gain confidence and skills that will help them thrive in all areas of life. They offer a diverse scope of learning structures and can support children who struggle with traditional teaching methods. Teachers also benefit from iPads, saving time, money and energy that could better be spent elsewhere. iPad devices can also lead to improved communication channels, better organisation and less time devoted to administrative duties. In addition, the wide range of apps, creative tools and easily accessible information aid children in developing interests, discovering new talents and following their dreams.

Benefits and Challenges of 1:1 Technology in the Classroom

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There’s no doubt that the use of technology in the classroom has grown exponentially in the last decade. In a 2016 study by Pearson Education, 64% of Australia schools stated they were already working towards using majority online resources. Six years later, and access to computing devices has become essential to facilitate learning in both online and traditional classrooms.

As a result, more and more schools are opting to implement a 1:1 technology program whereby each student is outfitted with a device, such as a Chromebook, iPad, etc.  Rather than relying on a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy, schools issue their own devices to students who return them at the end of their tenure. As electronic devices rapidly replace the textbooks and paper notepads of yesteryear, it’s important to consider both the benefits and challenges the 1:1 model presents.

Benefits

Equal Opportunity 

There’s no denying that socioeconomic factors can have a huge impact on students learning and educational development.

In technology-driven classrooms, socioeconomic barriers become an even greater obstacle. BYOD programs can often leave students behind, as their learning opportunities are determined by the quality of the device they have access to. For students without devices, the inability to actively participate in the classroom not only hinders their academic performance, but also their confidence and social development. Furthermore, BYOD policies also cause schools to face greater challenges when structuring their curriculums, as each student’s device will have different capabilities and limitations.

That’s why 1:1 technology programs have become critical to creating equitable learning environments, as it ensures that each student has access to the exact same resources, and schools are able to maintain a standardised curriculum.

It Eases the Strain on Teachers

It’s no secret that teachers often go above and beyond for their students. The Australian Education Union found that, in the 2020 school year alone, teachers spent an average of $874 of their personal income on educational supplies for their classrooms. With teachers feeling the pinch, 1:1 technology makes it easier than ever to acquire free educational tools and materials. Open Educational Resources (OER) are free-to-use digital learning assets that grant teachers access to thousands of educational blogs, applications, websites, games, and media.

Furthermore, 1:1 technology also allows teachers greater flexibility during lesson planning and class time. While many schools may already have computer workstations or laptops available, in most cases they require booking in advance. This can lead to scheduling conflicts, where some students may miss out or the entire class postponed. Students bringing their own devices can also cause logistical issues, as not every device may be compatible to the lesson materials. By using school issued devices, teachers can save time on organisation, configuring devices and modifying lessons.

Greater Student Engagement

Perhaps the biggest advantage of a 1:1 device policy is the positive effect on student engagement. A 2007 report on the presence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in schools by the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) determined that “the use of ICT enables richer, more engaging learning environments to be developed.”

Personal devices enable students to better engage with the learning content through interactive activities, while their portability encourages students to document learning experiences through photos, videos and voice recordings. Quieter, shyer students can also be more comfortable sharing their thoughts and insights on digital platforms as well.

School issued devices also have the added advantage of allowing teachers to monitor exactly how long and how thoroughly each student completes assigned work. In this way, teachers can more easily identity which students require further assistance and which students may benefit from more challenging assignments. This insight allows educators to adapt their teaching strategies to each student’s individual needs.

Student Responsibility and Growth

One of the biggest apprehensions schools have with 1:1 technology is the level of responsibility and maturity it requires of their pupils. By providing them with their own devices, schools are trusting that their students will use them safely and sensibility. A 2017 article from the Oxford Review of Education echoes these concerns, outlining how school property could be inappropriately misused to commit acts of cyber bullying, underage sexting and academic cheating.

However, there exists a variety of measures that can be implemented to circumvent these issues. Schools can control what their devices are used for by installing monitoring tools, restricting access to online content, and utilising device-usage analysis. This level of regulation is unattainable when students bring their own devices, as these methods cannot be employed to the same extent and effectiveness.

In addition, furthering student’s familiarisation with technology will prepare them for life beyond their school years. As the world relies more and more on technology, the workforce is becoming increasingly digitised. As a result, candidates who are computer literate and can adapt to the latest advancements will have a competitive edge.

Challenges

Budget

Let’s face it, schools aren’t made of money and a 1:1 technology program can be a costly investment. Not only is there the initial cost of hardware and set up, but schools must also allocate funding for the continual maintenance and eventual replacement of devices. Not to mention the additional expenses of digital infrastructure, security software and ongoing IT support.

While advancements in technology and manufacturing processes have led to more accessible, cost-effective devices, the bottom line is that not every school has the budget to implement and upkeep a 1:1 technology program. However, schools can offset costs by enacting co-contribution models, through which devices are loaned or leased out to students via a ‘take home’ or ‘buy-back’ program. Students would then have the option to acquire the device outright after the loan/lease period ends. This method is a win-win, as it alleviates costs for schools, and also relieves parents of some of the financial burden that comes with purchasing a new device upfront.

Management

Managing a 1:1 device policy can also be a headache, with each school having to oversee and keep track of hundreds of assets. School IT departments must take on a measure of extra responsibilities to keep the program running smoothly. These tasks can range from the creation of asset labels and tracking systems, issuance and collection of devices, conducting regular audits, and resolving any issues brought to them by teachers, parents and students.

However, schools can ease the extra strain a 1:1 program can have on IT departments by supplying extra support systems and tools. This may include hiring extra staff, outsourcing some of their IT needs or implementing more efficient practices.

Privacy Concerns

The biggest concern most parents have in regard to school owned devices is their children’s right to privacy. The prevalence of surveillance software and monitoring applications on school issued devices can weigh heavily on parent’s minds, especially when it comes to data collection and the tracking of their children’s digital footprint.

Although some degree of oversight is necessary for schools to establish safe and disciplined learning environments, honesty is the best course of action in building trust between parents and educators. By having a transparent policy towards the collection, use, storage and accessing of student’s personal information, schools can help quell parental fears and find a balance between maintaining orderly classrooms and respecting student’s privacy.

Thinking about a 1:1 technology program at your school? Contact eStorm today to learn about the products and services we have on offer.
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