Literature Review of iPad Initiatives
The focus of my innovation plan is starting to develop from the effective and continued use of iPads, but how to revive and refresh an initiative that is currently happening. My district is entering the third year of 1:1 iPads for the middle and high schools. The initial plan of this initiative was to refresh the iPads every four years. After next year we will refresh the devices, and as such I am taking the opportunity to not only refresh the devices but also the focus. The follow pieces of literature are being looked at to examine how to make this next cycle of devices properly utilized, fully planned for, and assist in a shift of teaching and learning. The entire literature review can be found here.
Molnár Dr., G. (2013). New learning spaces? M-learning's, in particular the iPad's potentials in education. International Journal Of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 7(1), 56-60. doi:10.3991/ijim.v7i1.2398
This article discusses how to make iPads in education a more efficient tool. It discusses ways that the touchscreen capabilities, assignment capturing tools, and document management can be in the classroom. The article also shares how workflow of assignments, lessons, and projects can be done.
Cohen, S. (2012). A 1:1 iPad initiative -- Vision to reality. Library Media Connection, 30(6), 14-16.
Written by a library media specialist, the article describes ways that a 1:1 iPad initiative was successful, and ways that they were not. It covers how to make sure that all parents, students and teachers are able to understand the expectations of the initiatives. It also talks about how to make sure that all have the technical skill to use the iPads, and what to do to support the school body.
Sloan, R. H. (2012). Using an e-textbook and iPad: Results of a pilot program. Journal Of Educational Technology Systems, 41(1), 87-104.
A case study on a college course, where etextbooks and iPads were provided for the study. The authors looked at the ease of use, preference of the iPad over laptops, preference of etextbooks versus using paper version of books. Preference to both iPads and etextbooks greatly shifted during the study.
Chou, C. C., Block, L., & Jesness, R. (2012). A case study of mobile learning pilot project in K-12 schools. Journal Of Educational Technology Development & Exchange, 5(2), 11-26.
Another case study on the use of iPads in the classroom. This one is set in 9th grade classrooms, in a United States public school. A look at how the school was able to instill digital citizenship, increase time for projects, and actively engage the students. It also looks at the distractions that can occur with iPads in the classroom. It describes the issues with a lack of teacher input in apps, time schedules, and devices can severely limit the use of the devices.
I see these resources as guides to set a strong vision and reviving plan. Looking at what worked for these schools and students, and what they found to be problematic. Although a lot of the research states that engagement and student academic performance can be seen by the implementation of iPads in the classroom, I did not see much quantitative data supporting this claim. For those naysayers, some definitive studies showing improvement over time would be effective in my delivery.
