Ipads, Tablets or Laptops
My college recently began offering Ipads to our student. What challenges have been found in using iPads for use in recruiting?
Diana,
We all have our preferences. My Ipad has never crashed, but sometimes the good 'ole pc fits the bill.
Patty Aronoff
I agree that typing and creating documents on a laptop is easier, But the Ipad just seems safer, I cant tell you how many times I lost valuable information because my laptop crashed or because of malware.
Li,
The electronic format is the way of the future. As generations enter the higher education foray, the expectation will demand such resources.
Patty Aronoff
Our School considered using this as an marketing tool and a way to increase enrollment, but ultimately, we decided against it, because all but one of the books we used is not available in electronic format.
Gail,
That s not the responsibility of the school, but that of the student. No different than lost textbooks or broken cosmetology kits, the students may purchase replacements for a price.
Patty Aronoff
Tzipora,
Using an IPad does take some getting used to. But consider how many other items we use daily incorporate similar technology...phones, GPS, microwaves, appliances, cars...the list goes on. If the iPad is bundled with the tuition and school expenses, then it s not. If it s not a requirement of the school and it is touted that if you enroll, we give you an iPad, then that is considered an incentive.
Patty Aronoff
My institute is thinking about replacing text books with Ipads, my concern is who is responsible for up-keep if the Ipad is broken, lost or stolen?
I agree with Immaculee, the typing on an ipad is awkward. However maybe this is because I never forced myself to get used to a touch screen for typing. I assume that today's students are more comfortable with typing on an iPad.
The distraction of emails and video game apps on the ipad is more of an issue, but being as my school's program is completely online, the distractions of a computer and Internet capability are something our students must reckon with anyway.
I am concerned that issuing an iPad to students may be considered use of a bonus or discount in order to tempt students to enroll. Is that an issue that needs to be considered?
Debbie,
Oh dear! The technology side has both advantages and disadvantages. The changing of culture integrating technology is difficult for some.
Patty Aronoff
Benny,
Equipment like the IPad are bundled with the tuition as a nonreturnable expense. The student would have to pay if they drop out.
Patty Aronoff
Students misplace the ipads often!!!
You cannot turn the pages like you can in a book.
One challenge that you will have is that the student will drop the course and the College will get stuck with the bill for the Ipad. Ipads should not be used as a recruitment tool. Give the student a couple of weeks to be engaged in courses, before issuing Ipads.
James,
Yes, the question...angry birds or school work? It is a challenge to stay focused when there are so many distractions.
Patty Aronoff
Immaculee,
Everyone is different. Typing on a iPad is different than a laptop or PC. It's just what you are comfortable with.
Patty Aronoff
Lidia,
It is a changing culture. Having ebooks brings the availability of anytime, anywhere.
Patty Aronoff
We have used iPads to supplement our training programs for about 2 years. The big advantage of the iPad is we are able to provide licensed digital courseware to our students so they can carry all of their courseware in one small package and it is searchable on the iPad. Contrast this to carrying around 7 books that are 2-3" thick each!
Of course most students like the idea of being issued an iPad - it's much more appealing than paper text books for many. Old school students like myself still prefer paper books.
The upside is the convenience stated above. The downside is the cost is higher and you have to deal with students now having to deal with the distraction of Angry Birds or email etc. while in class. These challenges aren't new to schools embracing technology in the learning process but they are challenges none the less.
I'm a big advocate of using the digital platform.
Ipads are what most students are currently using in school but to me ipads are not the best. I still prefer laptops because its alot more comfortable to type and go to microsoft word. Its easier to go back and forth from one area to the other. Ipads are best for just having to do research but it is not better then a desktop or laptop.
Ipads are the books for this new generation of students. If you visit a college of university most of the students are carring laptops or tablets. It is a very good idea that the student can find this electronics in the institution, because even if they have the old paper books; most of the assigments, homeworks, and quizes, are now online.
Nathan,
It is the future, but not just on the IPad as we are reading on our phones, pcs, and other devises like the Kindle. The future is here today but mainstream culture is having a hard time giving up the paper version.
Patty Aronoff
