Aleedan 1

Bader Aleedan
Prof. Lawson
ENGL 113B
23 Feb 2016
The iPad and Education
It is crucial to appreciate the role that technology has played in the modern education
system. Over the years, learning has enhanced due to high-tech achievements in various aspects
of studying. In particular, application of technology in schools and classrooms has focused on the
use of smartphones, computers, laptops, and the iPad among other gadgets, which have had a
positive impact on learning as opposed to the traditional way. In this connection, an iPad is a
tablet PC device, which Apple Inc. introduced to the market in 2010. It is a touchscreen gadget
with no keyboard. It suits the education system due to its friendly and powerful features. Apples
form of mobile computing has transformed the traditional open web surfing by the use of the
iPad that provides personalized content which is pivotal for learners. Thus, this essay seeks to
discuss the benefits of the iPad in the education structure, how it has improved learning, and how
it will impact the edification sector in future.
Presently, an iPad has customized learning in schools. Noting that students have different
capacities when it comes to knowledge, this device has acted as a universal tool to harmonize
education for learners with diverse levels of understanding (Manuguerra and Petocz). Also,
instructors can now emphasize the main points a subject using iPads. In this case, students access
the personalized learning they want as well as practice particular aspects at their speed and level.
Besides, an iPad allows teachers to present information to students considering their easy mode
of acquiring knowledge (Manuguerra and Petocz). For instance, if a learner is good at listening,

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he/she will have their iPads incorporated with podcasts, which are readily available through
iTunes. Similarly, students who find it easy to learn through demonstrative interaction will have
their iPads integrated with suitable applications (apps). The various apps can be beneficial for
any assignment since they are available for any task. Moreover, an individual can even design
one that suits him/her. It is notable that technology has enabled knowledge distribution to
students of diverse abilities. In this case, an iPad has been pivotal for enhancing Special
Education (SE) (Manuguerra and Petocz ). This device comes with helpful features that have
taken SE to a different level. For instance, the iOS and OS X are interactive systems with
elements such as AssissitiveTouch, VoiceOver, Guided Access, Stockey Keys, and Slow Keys,
which have made it possible for physically challenged students to learn without interference
(Manuguerra and Petocz). By considering these benefits, it is imperative to assert that an iPad
has played a substantial role in customizing education for all students. In brief, it has enabled
education tailoring to meet individuals motivations, preferences, strengths and weaknesses, as
well as the optimal pace of acquiring knowledge. Therefore, learners can achieve their academic
goals at par since this gadget has provided a competitive advantage for all.
On a different note, an iPad has facilitated ease of access to educational materials
anywhere. It is notable that it has a better eReader as its most powerful feature that enables
students to access preloaded textbooks and other tutorials (Henderson and Yeow). Similarly,
teachers can use it to plan and publish learning content, deliver presentations and video-based
information to students, as well as maintain and manage learners data (Kumar). Research
conducted by the Student Monitor, which is an organization that does studies regarding consumer
trends among learners, indicates that most students favored an iPad due to its Book Reader as
opposed to Amazons Kindle (Henderson and Yeow ). It is imperative to mention that students

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can easily access class planners, dictionaries, study guides, and other learning apps using their
iPads. As it is different with other devices, an iPad presents students and teachers with
convenience to accessing information (Kumar). For instance, an instructor does not need to use a
projector to pass given information to class since the learners can get the same content using
their iPads. Similarly, one can learn on the go with their iPad because class work and schedules
are available. Traditionally, a learner had to carry books around or buy hard copies; however, this
has changed with the help of iPads because most books can be downloaded online and read at
ones convenience (Henderson and Yeow). These tools have also improved the aspect of sharing
information among students or learners and their teachers. For instance, it is easy for scholars to
access assignments, share, and deliver them to instructors. An iPads integrative features make it
easy for one to do an academic research and share peer-reviewed information around the globe.
On the same note, this tool presents an ideal platform for accessing various programs through
distance learning. By noting these advantages, it is of the essence to affirm that an iPad has been
of help in facilitating ease of access to education.
An iPad is made in a manner that prevents distractions from other materials that are not
learning-oriented during class. This gadget has a single-screen user interface such that one
cannot read information from different sources on the same platform (Kumar). Therefore, this
feature has reduced chances of interruption for students; thus, enabling them to focus on one task
(Kumar). It is crucial to note that many tabs and windows as well as other elements, such as
messages and phone calls, can be distressing to the cognitive process. In this case, an iPad has
proved to be the best technology gadget for learning.
By looking at the changing trends in the education sector, it is fundamental to assert that
an iPad presents a promising future for learning. Currently, there is limited application of iPads

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in schools as learning tools across the globe (Walters and Baum). However, various organizations
have established the initiative of distributing iPads to schools as well as passing information on
the same. Apple Inc. has also been at the forefront to present iPads as their outstanding education
oriented gadgets (Kumar). Since various governments and institutions of learning are embracing
the use of iPads for learning, it can be noted that all education programs will integrate the same
in the future. Experts affirm that the iPad will transform edification as they merge with the
purposes and needs of learning in the digital era (Walters and Baum ). It is expected that iPads
will soon outdo the current one-to-many teaching models and bring about the one-to-one
learning that is engaging and interactive with students.
In summary, this essay has been articulate at presenting the benefits, impacts, as well as
future transformations of iPads in the education domain. As noted, these gadgets have been
successful at customizing learning across all levels and harmonizing students cognitive
capacities. Presently, slow learners can be equivalent with others by use of iPads for studies.
Moreover, iPads are making it a reality that disability is not inability since physically
challenged students can compete with their counterparts using interactive tools that iPads
present. Similarly, iPads have been identified as useful for learning because of the improved
interaction between teachers and students. Currently, one can access assignments, tutorials, class
schedules, and other materials via their iPads. Besides, teachers can present exam timetables,
design and publish course materials, as well as pass the same to trainees with ease. Also, a tutor
does not need to use a projector to display particular information to trainees. On the same note,
one can learn on the go using their iPads, thus filling the gap of absence. As mentioned, these
tools have enhanced the aspect of distance learning in a big deal. In this case, professors can
interact with their students around the world and pass information. In particular, iPads are

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credited as suitable tools for education due to their single-user interface that limits students from
accessing distressing materials. As such, learners can concentrate on one aspect of study at a
time. Noting the impacts that iPads have had in the current education sector, it is remarkable that
more is still to come as Apple Inc. makes more improvements in their development. It is
expected that iPads will transform the future of learning in a more integrative way. In this case,
education experts predict that there will be an adoption of the one-to-one learning model in the
future as opposed to the traditional way of teaching. By considering these presentations, it is
fundamental to appreciate that iPads have enhanced the current education system to a profound
level. Therefore, continued application of these gadgets in the education system will result in a
better generation regarding technology and a digital world.

Works Cited

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Henderson, Sarah and Jeff Yeow. "iPad in Education: A Case Study of iPad Adoption and Use in
a Primary School." System Science (hicss), 2012 45th Hawaii International Conference
on. IEEE, 2012. Print.
Kumar, Sesh. "Why the iPad is A Learning Tool by Sesh Kumar: Learning Solutions Magazine".
Learning Solutions Magazine. N.p., 2010. Web. 22 Feb. 2016.
Manuguerra, Maurizio and Peter Petocz. "Promoting Student Engagement by Integrating New
Technology Into Tertiary Education: The Role of the iPad. Asian Social Science 7.11
(2011): 61. Print.
Walters, Eric A.and Michael Baum. "Point/Counterpoint-Will the iPad Revolutionize
Education?." Learning and Leading with Technology 38.7 (2011): 6. Print.