Research has shown time and again that iPads and other
technological aids in the classroom make lectures more interactive and
entertaining and they help students learn better.
Here are some tips and tricks that can help you get the most
out of iPad based learning in the classroom.
1.
Make Sure The Battery Is Full Before You
Bring Them To Class
It can be highly disruptive to
bring a device to class and have the battery run out on you at the wrong time.
Besides, you can't be sure if any charging outlets will be available and how
reliable they are. Make sure the battery on your iPad is full before you bring
it in.
2.
Figure Out How To Use It
You don’t want to be seen fumbling
with the iPad in the class. Practice beforehand so you can use it. Otherwise
you not only risk losing credibility, you also risk compromising on the quality
of the lecture.
3.
Protect The Ipads From Theft
The iPad is a very expensive piece
of equipment and if you do not own the iPad you intend to bring you will be
responsible to replace it. Besides, you don't want to show up to class without
the iPad because it went missing right? Lock the classroom cupboard and make
sure that no one else can get it. If it is possible take the iPod home with you
and bring it back to class on the day you have to use it.
4.
Get Together All The Equipment You Need
What other devices do you need for
your lecture? WiFi router? Laptop? Projection screen? Make sure you gather
around everything well in advance.
5.
Test All Equipment Before Hand
Make sure the WiFi and other
technical considerations are taken care of beforehand and make sure everything
is in working order. One day before your big day, do a trial run - connect everything up and see if it is working the way it should. If it's not, you have
time to get things fixed.
6.
Minimize Distractions And Delete
Inappropriate Content And Apps
There is always the chance that
someone will access something they should not be accessing. Delete all content
you do not want your class to access, or if you can't do that make sure that it
is at least locked so that they cannot access it.
7.
Reduce The Chances Of Damage
When you hand over a device to
someone else, there is always the chance of damage. Make sure that you put
policies in place, for example preventing your students from eating and
drinking around your iPad.
Many teachers have successfully used iPads in their classroom and
made a success of their learning sessions. But this does not mean that is the
right thing for you too. Many other tools may be used just as successfully, or
perhaps more successfully. Carefully evaluate your class learning outcomes and
figure out whether or not an iPad will really fit into them or not before you
decide to use them.
