Final Reflections

So...as you can see from reading this blog, I came in with a great deal of skepticism about the use of the iPad in the classroom.  I felt that it was just one more fun gadget, and I certainly had not seen it being used much except as a source of games.  What this course made absolutely clear is that the iPad is, beyond any doubt, the device of choice for anyone with learning difficulties.  It is cost-effective, it is flexible, it is portable and it is far more effective at actually helping these students than any devices we have had until now.  The other thing this course has made clear is that to be fair to our students we must employ Universal Design for Learning in all of our courses.  Now that the technology exists, we have no excuse not to make our programs accessible to all.

The course has also shown how the iPad is a game-changer not only for students with learning difficulties but also for learning in general.  There is something quite astounding about the ease with which you can do so many creative things - like make movies and animations - that were tedious before.  It opens up a lot of new creative opportunities that will, beyond any doubt, change the way we do education.  It is a disruptive technology.

I continue to have many questions about the broader issues:  How do we control the increasing amount of screen time that our students are getting in class? Should all students be using iPads?   Will we all move away from traditional print media and what will be the effects of this?  What will be the long-term costs of having private interests so heavily involved in the education system? What about the environmental costs?

Despite my own questions...which I have about all kinds of things, anyway...I will be using the iPad extensively in my class next year.  Having taken this course, and knowing how this technology can give my struggling students full access to the Grade 4 curriculum, it would be unprofessional, in fact, it would be unethical, to deny them this opportunity.

Thanks for a great course, Barbara!