iPads 'compulsory' at Auckland school

[FnG]magnolia · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:04

So this is quite something

For context, a 'decile 9' school means that it is one of the very best in the area but still, asking parents to shell out $800 or 400 quid for a 'compulsory' education aid is quite strong. Admittedley, almost all will be able to afford it - and easily, too - but isn't there a bigger question here about how much educational aid an iPad or any other tablet can provide? I don't have one so maybe these things are God's gifts to schools but to me it smacks of jumping on a technology bandwagon because it's aspirational or cool.

Thoughts?

Glaucus · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:07

Title is misleading and not what the school is saying at all

affordable portable computing devices such as netbooks and laptops, iPads and the smaller devices such as iTouch and smart phones

So they need a mobile computer to acess information. I expect teaching aides, notes, videos etc.

It's the way forward and can massively help learning due to the sheer flexibility of information and interactivity.
And infect they aren't saying they are compulsory. They are saying there are 400 school computers,but that doesn't give enough access, so most students need portable computing, if they generally can't afford it they are looking at funding help, or using the 400 computers.

Tephnos · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:08

AcidHell2 said:
Title is misleading and not what the school is saying at all

So they need a mobile computer to acess information. I expect teaching aides, notes, videos etc.

It's the way forward and can massively help learning due to the sheer flexibility of information and interactivity.

This, it's a good thing.

LeJosh · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:09

Everything is becoming digitalised, kids need their notebooks, laptops, tablets, mobiles etc. to access such things.

loltim · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:10

No-one would care if it was a mandatory laptop.

Haters gon' hate?

Robbo · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:17

iPads and the smaller devices such as iTouchand smart phones for students.

starfighter · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:22

as long as it doesn't have to be apple and can be Android or MS fair enough. good idea.

DJ_Martin · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:23

Robbo said:

This post would indicate you either have a problem with the iPod touch being used in such a way or with the term "iTouch". Which is it?

Robbo · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:24

DJmartin said:
This post would indicate you either have a problem with the iPod touch being used in such a way or with the term "iTouch". Which is it?

There is no such thing as an iTouch!

DJ_Martin · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:35

Robbo said:
There is no such thing as an iTouch!

It isn't like it is a totally new name for it though, it is just shortened with the pod part being taken out. It's also useful for a joke I was once told about a children's version being released called the iTouch Kids.

It was a lot funnier when told than when I am typing it now though :rolleyes:

It also appears that you have CNET on your side: http://crave.cnet.co.uk/digitalmusic/apple-itouch-the-definitive-review-49294457/
A twitter page dedicated to it: https://twitter.com/#!/itsnotanitouch

I love the way small things annoy people

Rich_L · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:54

Apple should bring out an iTouch Kids for the school.

LOL Beaten like a Apple fanboi in the Mobile Phones section

Robbo · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:55

DJmartin said:
It isn't like it is a totally new name for it though, it is just shortened with the pod part being taken out. It's also useful for a joke I was once told about a children's version being released called the iTouch Kids. It was a lot funnier when told than when I am typing it now though

It also appears that you have CNET on your side: http://crave.cnet.co.uk/digitalmusic/apple-itouch-the-definitive-review-49294457/
A twitter page dedicated to it: https://twitter.com/#!/itsnotanitouch

I love the way small things annoy people

Yeah, it just sounds so odd!

Definitely should have an iTouch Kids version though

Rich_L said:
LOL Beaten like a Apple fanboi in the Mobile Phones section

kenshinu · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:56

Rich_L said:
Apple should bring out an iTouch Kids for the school.

LOL Beaten like a Apple fanboi in the Mobile Phones section

I hope you don't mean how that reads...

LeJosh · 19 Jul 2011 at 00:57

kenshinu said:
I hope you don't mean how that reads...

That's the joke.

Ta da.

Ahleckz · 19 Jul 2011 at 01:01

LeJosh said:
Everything is becoming digitalised, kids need their notebooks, laptops, tablets, mobiles etc. to access such things.

I think that's the issue. There is little need for this though. What happened to teachers writing on the blackboard and students taking notes? Why do we need to have premade notes able to download before the lesson in 'children school'? There is no need for these materials to be digitalized, if the teachers can't put across the information they need to (that they have been doing so for decades) in a lesson then there is an issue with the teachers.

E-learning is a supplement to education and has its place. It is however not an essential part of teaching and should not be compulsory.

Glaucus · 19 Jul 2011 at 01:04

I disagree, just becuase it's been done for ages, doesn't mean it's the best way.
There is lots of evidence to show traditional teaching methods are poor, especially for teaching blokes as we need to learn in a more hands on route.
Digitisation, interaction and varies media formats. Makes learning easier and better, it is very much needed.

Mr Krugga · 19 Jul 2011 at 01:06

Robbo said:
There is no such thing as an iTouch!

Yes, there is! In fact I've just done it...

I don't see any problem with kids from rich families required to bring a laptop/netbook/iPad/tablet to school.

Tefal · 19 Jul 2011 at 01:06

Ahleckz said:
I think that's the issue. There is little need for this though. What happened to teachers writing on the blackboard and students taking notes? Why do we need to have premade notes able to download before the lesson in 'children school'? There is no need for these materials to be digitalized, if the teachers can't put across the information they need to (that they have been doing so for decades) in a lesson then there is an issue with the teachers.

E-learning is a supplement to education and has its place. It is however not an essential part of teaching and should not be compulsory.

in the long run it's cheaper for the school than buying text books every year?

Ahleckz · 19 Jul 2011 at 01:08

AcidHell2 said:
I disagree, just becuase it's been done for ages, doesn't ran it is ahold way.
There is lots of evidence to show traditional teaching methods are poor, especially for teaching blokes as we need to learn in a more hands on route.
Digitisation, interaction and varies media formats. Makes learning easier. And better and is very much needed.

Whilst I see your point I think that the best teaching (at that age) is from direct interaction from a teacher to the student.
I fear that this 'e-learning' approach will erode this contact time between student and teacher instead of being supplementary.

LeJosh · 19 Jul 2011 at 01:08

I think having an entire year of school work on your personal computer much better than hoarding loads of textbooks and jotters.