The invention of the tablet computer has definitely created a huge impact on so many people’s lives, and has completely revolutionized the way people consume the printed word.
Today, thousands of people see reading as a form of recreation rather than obligation–something some students do just so they would not flunk their most-hated subject in school. Reading has now become a pleasure, a form of enjoyment, without the hassle of carrying heavy books because what you need now is just your iPad.
Two years ago, along with the popularity of the tablet computer, Foundation University introduced the use of the iPad in the secondary level.
Some students were excited while others felt wary about it. Of course, there will always be people who would question the possible changes in the way students learn their lessons in school.
However, while other schools salivate at the idea of the iPad being used as an alternative to books, parents and students were not really in a total agreement with regard to its use.
To address the issue, the University conducted iPad seminars and lectures, inviting parents of students to see for themselves the real value of the tablet PC being a better alternative to hefty books their kids regularly carry to school.
Today, grade school and high school students of Foundation University find learning through iPads more interesting. “There have been a lot of remarkable changes in our way of learning new things on campus,” says Cyrus Angana, a senior student of the university high school. “I admit we also play games from time to time, but we never do it whenever we are in the classroom.”
Despite the many things a student can do with his iPad (i.e., playing games, listening to music, doing Facebook), the University implemented rules regarding its usage, and students caught breaking them will have to face the consequences.
There are actually not so many changes in the way students read books. Perhaps the only difference is that they can do so anytime, anywhere.
Students get to browse their library on a beautiful bookshelf, flip through pages with just a tap or a swipe, and bookmark the pages where they end their lesson for that particular day in school.
Learning is even more enhanced through interactive features, diagrams, photos, and even videos that are supplementary to some subjects particularly the sciences.
The iPad also features the Edmodo. “On Edmodo, teachers are at the center of a powerful network that connects them to students, administrators, parents, and publishers. This network surfaces the world’s best resources and tools, providing the building blocks of a high quality education.”
This app makes it easier for teachers to track the progress of their students as everything is readily accessible for any member of the class to see. Quizzes, assignments, discussion posts, and even grades can also be viewed on Edmodo.
And to widen the knowledge of teachers on the use of iPads, the University conducts iPad training every month where new apps essential to enhance learning among students are introduced.
In fact, in a training last Wednesday, May 29, a new app designed by Entheos IT called Hoopla was introduced to the high school and grade school faculty.
The app is quite similar to Edmodo, a learning and teaching platform, wherein students and teachers can interact online. One unique feature of Hoopla is that students can add their parents and friends from other schools, and enable them to view all the programs and activities the students are doing in school.
The app will also have an off-line mode as the University understands that not all students have internet connection at home.
So whenever the students are on campus, they can always download the contents of the discussion for that day, and be able to review everything anytime.
Hoopla also comes with a unique “brag” button. Since students are also given awards or any form of recognition for their achievements in school, they can always click the “brag” button, and graphic medals and certificates will automatically be posted and viewed by friends in all the social networks that they have added, motivating other students to also do well in class. Who would not want recognition anyway?
“The iPad is such a powerful tool,” said one parent. “However, each student should have discipline when using the device.” (Paul Edward Bajas)
