In the past few years, there has been a technology revolution in education. Devices such as iPads have allowed students to utilize a variety of new tools to learn and educate themselves. Many educators and scientists alike are curious as to whether this technology will replace some of the more traditional educational practices in the future.
Why iPads in Higher Education?
While many of the online and blended approaches to learning do not use devices, tablets offer something that computers cannot: a tactile interaction. Although some students enjoy having a device in hand to type on, others find it difficult or frustrating to type on a screen. In this article, I will argue for the benefits of tablet use in higher education and highlight some of the challenges that iPads present for professors.
Pros and Cons of Giving Students iPads in Higher Education
In recent years, teaching methods in higher education have been changing. The use of technology has increased dramatically, and many schools are using iPads to provide supplementary instruction for students. When a student is given the opportunity to use an iPad, it can help with note taking, research and assignment completion. However, there are many drawbacks with giving iPads to college students. They can become costly when they need replacing or upgrades. There is also the cost of Wi-Fi coverage and security settings that need to be set up for every student on campus.
Conclusion
Even though there are many benefits of having an iPad at university, including technology, learning and computing, there are still some drawbacks to iPads. The main drawback is that they can be very expensive. They also have a limited amount of storage space and need to be charged regularly. Instead of using iPads in the classroom, some universities may want to invest in other digital technologies such as eBooks and online classes rather than relying only on tablets.
