iPad

= = = = =//** Description **//= The [|iPad] is a multi-touch tablet computer created by [|Apple, Inc.]. It has been largely marketed as the ultimate media consumption device but is gaining a reputation as a serious business tool mainly due to its high -resolution LED-backlit IPS screen size. (9.7 in.) and the amazing set of applications available right out of the box. It even runs many of the iPhone/iTouch apps. It comes in two models: [|Wi-Fi] and Wi-Fi + [|3G]. Both models have 3 different storage capacities: 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB. The ipad uses [|iOS (Apple)] the same operating system as the iPhone and the iPod touch.[1] The iPad has been criticized as being a big [|iPod touch]/ [|iPhone] because of the iOS and the [|iPad's technical specs].[12]

=//** History **//= Apple’s first tablet computer was actually the Newton [|MessagePad 100] released in 1993. Apple released several more versions and finally discontinued the Newton MessagePad 2100 in 1998. After the success of the [|original iPod] in 2001, the iPhone was released in 2007. [|Steve Jobs] has since then admitted that the ipad was worked on before the iphone. media type="youtube" key="6--_Z4unLQ0?fs=1" height="385" width="640"

The iPad was released in April of 2010.[2]

=//** Impact on Teaching and Learning **//= Textbooks: As more publishers adopt the e-book format, students will no longer have to buy heavy, often soon to be outdated, textbooks. The digital format allows for the addition of video, audio and interactive quizzes/games to reinforce the e-book.

Paperless Classroom: With the iPad, assignments and tests can be sent and received in digital format. Students can take notes directly on the iPad and even e-books can be annotated via various apps.

=//** Practical Applications **//= Interactive learning: The audio and video capabilites of the ipad offer a multimedia facet of learning. Together with software that offer simulations and virtual labs the students are engaged in active learning. Using a personal response system, a teacher can immediate poll the students and get immediate feedback on the level of understanding after a lesson.

Studying and reviewing: Students should have an easier time now that all their notes and text books are on one device. Time Management: No matter if you are a teacher or a learner, time management skills is a valuable skill. There are general purpose apps such as [|Todo][8] or specialized ones like [|Blackboard Mobile].[9]

=** // Example or Demonstrations // **= A) An interactive learning software for the periodic table - The Elements: A Visual Exploration...[13]

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B) Using [|eClicker], a personal response system, a teacher can quiz students immediately after a lecture to gain feedback and evaluate the absorption level of the material. The bigger size of the ipad allows easier addition of images or drawings to questions.[11]

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C) Never forget an assignment with [|iStudiez Pro] . It is a sophisticated student planner with [|Push notifications] and an interactive multifunctional calendar.[10]

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=//** References/External Links **//= //(1)// []. Apple Inc. (2010). Accessed 9/20/2010. (2) []. Wikipedia (2010). Accessed 9/23/2010. (3) []. Wikipedia (2010). Accessed 9/23/2010. (4) [].Wikipedia (2010). Accessed 9/23/2010. (5) []. Wikipedia (2010). Accessed 9/23/2010. (6) []. Wikipedia (2010). Accessed 9/23/2010. (7) []. Wikipedia (2010). Accessed 9/27/2010. (8) []. Appigo Inc. (2010) Accessed 9/28/2010 (9) [|http://www.blackboard.com/Mobile/http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id364147847?mt=8]. Blackboard Inc. (2010). Accessed 9/28/2010. (10) []. iStudiez Pro. (2009). Accessed 9/29/2010. (11) []. eClicker (2010). Accessed 9/29/2010. (12) [|http://touchreviews.net/the-apple-ipad-experience-criticis]. Review Page (2010). Accessed 9/30/2010. (13) [|http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/TheElements]. Apple Inc. (2010). Accessed 9/30/2010.


 * // About the Author // **
 * Christine Heirakuji, a graduate student at the University of Hawaii Manoa, is enrolled in the Educational Technology Master's Program, Fall of 2010. Her occupation is Training Specialist, and is currently working at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard & IMF. Her email address is: heirakuj@hawaii.edu **