The iPad in the Classroom

Abstract

Mobile learning devices, such as the iPad tablet, have the potential of providing unique pedagogical strategies for the K-12 classroom. One of these strategies is digital storytelling, a constructivist approach using digital tools to create and share short stories. This chapter describes three iPad implementation projects involving multimedia database and digital storytelling creation that underscore the successes and challenges of these devices and the new classroom activities they make available to educators. The results of these projects suggest that the iPad is one device that can successfully support and sustain a variety of multimedia creation and use in the classroom. Specifically, this chapter reports on research that identifies mobile pedagogical strategies on the iPad, such as mobile small and large group demonstrations, student-directed control-and-playback activities, backchannel (microblogging) conversations, Web-based research activities, and digital storytelling. As with other types of technology implementations, management and process challenges exist that should be considered. This chapter details some of the challenges that are specific to iPads and multimedia creation on these devices.