Let's choose Apple!

In my educational technology class we have been discussing the use of Interactive White Boards in the classroom. We read an article explaining why Apple TV and iPads trump interactive white boards. I happen to agree. I believe that Apple TV and iPads allow more interaction from the students. Often with IWBs, it is the teacher doing all the work. The students are not often allowed to use the IWB for several reasons, from the fact that they are really expensive to the fact that there are too many students to each have a turn with the white board. I believe that the Apple TV and iPads are more effective at involving the students.For example if the teacher gives the students a math problem, and then has them complete the problem on the iPad, she could link it to her computer and quickly check who did it right, and what those that didn't have it right missed. This would be a quicker way, and more helpful for the teacher as well as the students. This is just one of the many reasons I believe that we shouldn't focus only on purchasing the IWBs and implementing them in our classroom!

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Comment by Dave Eveland on April 16, 2014 at 12:26pm: I think it could go both ways. Ipads are not cheap - and students (with instruction) could learn to use the IWB just as well - and could honestly be more appropriate for younger children. Perhaps a school or classroom has or is equipped with both - an IWB and a small set of iPads for dedicated uses. I don't think it has to be one or the other, but often, budget constraints define it that way.

Comment by C.J. Cruise on April 21, 2014 at 3:09pm: Amber, I think you have a valid and logical point. I think it also depends on the class itself. If the class is built up of younger children you could use a IWB, but I agree with you that children seem more disposed to use an iPad over a IWB. It's not impossible to teach younger children how to safely use a IWB as Dave Eveland just pointed out, I think an IWB might shine brighter with middle schoolers, But I am not very experienced with IWB's so this is conjecture. I think if you have access to either an IWB, or an iPad (or better both) they should be used. After reading some of the other posts that are similar in topic to this one there are schools that can't afford to replace the light bulbs, much less afford this technology. learning can happen without this tech, but if you have the access to it then use it in a way that puts the class as a whole, and the students as individuals first.