CEO Steve Jobs presenting iPad 2
Here it is! iPad 2 the fabulous device! Do you remember my 1st post about "iPad features and education" July 10, 2010 here. I wrote "we are looking forward to experiment this amazing media device! Don't you think? It's like love at first site!"
Now, it's even better! The CEO Steve Jobs himself was there to present iPad 2!
"Apple CEO Steve Jobs declared the end of the PC era today as he unveiled the iPad 2. And he touted the educational benefits of the iPad in his presentation, highlighting in one video the impact that the device has had in particular on autistic children." So is the iPad 2 ready for the classroom? Let's see...
The iPad 2, unveiled yesterday, addresses even more of the drawbacks of the iPad as an educational device.
The iPad 2 has two cameras. The addition of GarageBand and iMovie - two very popular pieces of software in the classroom - will enable students to create multimedia projects. Wonderful! iPad 2 (features)
But children's books are all about big, splashy pictures and wild colors elements perfectly suited to iPad screens. Needless to say, the iPad can do a lot more than just display static pages. It can read stories aloud, it can enrich a classic tale with touch-powered extras, and it can even render pages in 3D (not suitable for chidren under 6-7 years old).
When students are reading a book, they may to do marks, highlights and notes. The users of iBooks can also read and right PDF directly in the application. Reading children's literature, that's amazing. Yet even with all the extras, reading is so natural on iPad, the technology seems to disappear.
iPad 2/ Apple
http://images.apple.comMany of the limitations that make the device ill-suited for the classroom have already been addressed - through various iOS upgrades and by the explosion of educational apps and e-books. The iPad now has multi-tasking (sort of).
Students can print. They can learn the narrative text, learning foreign languages, playing video games - Majin and the Forsaken Kingdom, learning Biology, Geography and Music - Arcade Fire, funny and pedagogical, Art - The Google Art Project...
Literature, Science, Geography, Sport, Music, Art, the fundamental curricula on iPad! All in a device and such good apps!
And what about search in real time, news, magazines, Google maps, social networks ( Facebook, Twitter), work (Google docs). All these features offer teachers and students a delicious motivation push!
"iPad apps are expanding the learning experience both inside and outside the classroom. From interactive lessons to study aids to productivity tools, there’s something for everyone."Apple in Education
The addition of the HDMI cable will mean that iPad content can be connected to a HDTV (which really isn't the projection device that most teachers have in their classrooms), but... it's a start!
iPad 2 (gallery)
'It's necessary to hold iPad with both hands. When we write on Ipad is a bit boring because finger touches stay on screen and the reflexs too', I wrote. Well... not anymore! Like Apple says: 'Less in your hands, more at your fingertips.'
"iPad 2 and iPad Smart Cover are made for each other. Literally. Built-in magnets draw the Smart Cover to iPad for a perfect fit that not only protects, but also wakes up, stands up, and brightens up your iPad. That’s not just smart. It’s genius."
iPad 2 apps
Has Apple, already the beneficiary of a lot of good will from teachers, shown today that it's ready to take on the challenges of bringing iPads into the classroom?
The cost of the new iPad is beyond many educators and students reach - oh! God! What a pity! - There are no educational discounts in iTunes.
After this video, and reading, during the past year, some successful reports of schools piloted iPad programs, students are managing to do a lot via the iPad.
So, as an educator, I can say that iPad will "change the learning landscape"! iPad 2 will change completely the way educators an students will move in classroom!
A new and 'delicious' media world to use on Education! No more backpack full of texts books! Not completely... books are always need but in a less number.
With iPad 2 new features and apps, young people will love to have an iPad 2 on their table in classroom ! Exciting!
Me too! I would love to have iPad 2 on my work table!
G-Souto
03.03.2011
Copyright © 2010G-Souto'sBlog, gsouto-digitalteacher.blogspot.com®
Credits: Apple, iPad 2
References:
ReadWriteWeb, Audrey Watters, 'Will the iPad 2 Make the Grade for Classroom Usage?'
Souto, Gina, 'Ipad features and education'
Souto, Gina, 'And now, Alice for iPad'
Souto, Gina, 'Prince of Persia, an interesting narrative text'
Souto, Gina, Dr., 'EFQUEL Innovation Forum Lisboa 2010'
