iPads In Education FAQ (AtFAQ?)

Really, these should be called Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, because nobody would read it if it was just questions, But before I start with the Q's, I just want everyone to understand is that everything stated here is based on either exhaustive research or my opinion based on nothing more a house of assumptive cards. All I know is that there isn't enough information to know which is a more valid way to approach the topic. I've done no research, nor do I intend to, but I've known a good bit about technology for a long time, I teach middle school and high school, and I know a decent amount about human behavior. And that'll have to suffice here.

Q. Are iPads a boon or an impediment to education?

Debating the merits of technology in education isn't just a straw man argument, it's a steel cage match for straw men. The answer is yes, no, who the hell knows at this point. The iPad was introduced how long ago? Are we supposed to make long-term decisions based on a product that's been in existence for just barely 3 years? I can tell you that math teachers are still far from unanimous on the best use of calculators, which were introduced over 30 years ago.

So let's ask more specific questions.

Q. Do iPads belong in the classroom?

Here's another unsatisfying answer- yes, no,and who the hell knows at this point? A better question is, is it possible to use iPads in the classroom to good effect? The answer to that is undoubtably yes, but.

Q. How should iPads or similar technology be integrated into the classroom?

A. First of all, I'm not even going to dignify the question of whether or not this should be done. It seems a no brainer, so to speak. I'm not sure what the right way to introduce iPads (or any similar technology) is, but what I do know is that it would be worthwhile to know in advance why you're doing it and what you're expecting to do with it. I can tell you that perhaps the worst way to do it is to dump a bunch of iPads into a school, give them to some members of the school community (students) but not others (teachers), and say "Here, use these." Or to give them out without a structure within which they are to be used.

I'm certainly not saying that we should tell everyone exactly how they should work with technology. I'm all for finding my own way in general, but that works best when there are specific objectives and strategies. But if the objective is merely to use the iPads, what are we to do now?

Q. How frustrated are you with this?

A. Not a usual FAQ, I admit. But the whole thing seems silly to me. Not that the question of technology in schools is silly. It's quite serious. And that means that taking action without having a solid idea of what you want to accomplish is silly, especially with a serious topic. Does anyone really know how all of this is supposed to work? Oops, this is supposed to be the answer part.

Q. Does anybody really know how this is supposed to work?

A. Aha! I know the answer to that one! No, of course not! Part of what's so interesting about this whole thing is that it's way to early to accurately predict outcomes.

Q. So why even do anything?

A. That goes directly to my point. If you start by understanding that you know nothing, then you take an approach designed to help you learn, to advance your knowledge and understanding. But that takes planning and discipline and measurement tools. We shouldn't be figuring out that stuff after we've already introduced the technology.