I have heard enough.
Having kept an open mind to both sides of the iPad argument, I would definitely have to disagree that they are a purported “waste of money”.
In fact, I think they may just be the best thing that’s ever happened.
We are all pretty well aware that this thing comes equipped with it’s set of issues. Battery life, server connection, sheer expense; but what are the ground-breaking capabilities many of you have neglected to consider? Here, I will give you five.
Number one: it is lightweight.
The days of trudging along with countless books and documents slurring around in our backpacks are done.
The technological revolution has blessed us with a lightweight tool that can be used for everything.
No more supplies, textbooks or paper worksheets. Just plenty of practice on how to work the iPad keyboard.
The weight is considerably great for my back as well as my management, which allows me to transition to the next point.
Number two: Organization.
I can’t help but find this aspect of the iPads incredible. I do not have to worry about keeping papers or throwing away the wrong thing.
Even better, I can remind myself via the calendar when things are due. When that time arises, I can turn virtually any homework assignment in with the click of a button from anywhere.
Speaking of Anywhere, that brings us to numero three: Availability.
Anytime, any place, and any subject. I can work whenever the opportunity arises.
My homework load is stagnant. I can go home to watch Parks and Recreation blissfully, knowing I have done everything sufficiently for the next day.
Thanks to the iPads, I can work on my MLA format paper for English after Forensics and I can scan through a textbook I would have otherwise left at home to get those 15 math problems done.
I can do all that, in a matter of moments.
That is astonishingly helpful.
Number four: connecting with my teachers has never been easier.
Whether this be through Edmodo, Schoology, or my email, if I am stuck on a problem, my teachers are only clicks away.
Notes are transferred in a synch, and boom; another 50 minutes to actually pay attention to what my teachers are trying to explain, instead of scrambling to scribble down the information without absorbing it.
Which brings us to another point, the tool of internet capability.
Number five: The gift that is wifi.
Connecting to the internet so easily is a beautiful, beautiful thing. Teachers can supplement more interesting videos, a larger variety of subject explanation, and a variety of ways to learn something that was taught only one way before.
Being a visual/do-it-yourself learner, this is probably the best news I’ve ever had in my academic career.
If you need a question answered that the teacher can’t explain to you, google it. If you’re having a hard time with a math problem at home, go on Khan Academy. If you want to study, use quizlet.
Life is good with Internet. Plain. And. Simple.
Despite the common belief that iPads are annoying and a waste of money, these five points at the very least allow us to recognize the wonderful opportunity us, and very few other schools, have been given.
It is easy to complain about a lot of things in life, but with a tool this great, I think we should see the good in a very pricey situation and acknowledge the fact that they were indeed, a great idea.
Apps can be applied to so much more than we think.