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The new space of mobile / tablet computing has brought along with it some interesting choices for educators.  Apple has done an extraordinary job of marketing its iPad as the mobile device of the future.  My purpose here is not to argue for or against this claim.  What I would like to talk about are the ramifications of using these types of devices in the classroom.

What Should the Classroom Be?

This is of course an enormous question.  However I would like to present two polarizing views.  Each of these views are going to be a bit of an extreme or caricature of the real world.  However, I think they will reveal some fundamental differences that we can identify when selecting technologies.

The first view of the classroom is that it is fundamentally a place where content is delivered to students.  The students then digest that content and retain it.  Some may refer to this as a “Sage on the Stage” type of mentality.  Textbooks, lectures and educational videos are all delivery mechanism of this type of model. The student becomes a consumer of content.  There is a clear line between those who create content and those who consume it.

The second view of the classroom is that it is an essentially creative space.  In this view, students are active participants in creating and directing their learning experiences.  Digital story telling, role playing, simulations, wikis and blogging are just a few examples of creation centric learning experiences.

With these two views in mind we must now turn our eyes to technology. The first assertion that I will make is that certain technologies (including hardware) will tend to lean toward vision of the classroom or the other.

The First Option

For the sake of example I would like to take two pieces of technology that I have been working with lately and contrast them.  The first device is the iPad.  This device I would assert is in general designed to be a consumer’s device.  Here are a few reasons why. Read the rest of this entry »