Making the most of today's technology

Abstract

The Apple iPad or similar tablet is an increasingly familiar sight in schools throughout the UK and further afield. This growing trend in the education sector of bringing learning directly into the hands of students is a popular one. Tablets don’t just replace a dusty textbook, they offer a whole new way of learning and teaching, with videos, interactive pictures and real-time updates which can be a great tool at primary level. But are schools making the most of what remains a highly significant investment from their budgets? As a learner, what would be more engaging: a diagram in a text book showing the constellations, or a full colour, interactive and explorable rendering of the universe? It is not hard to see that, with the recent developments in technology, a whole new dimension can be introduced to education where students are involved and excited by learning that literally leaps off the virtual page. Add to this the portable nature of the device, which promotes freedom of movement and ease of collaboration, and it is clear why iPads and other hand-held devices are becoming a popular addition to the classroom. Touch-screen has now become one of the most common formats for new education and general consumer ‘gadgets’. Whether the object is a games console, smart phone, or ticket booking machine, touch technology has rapidly become the norm for the way we engage with information throughout life. Touch technology, and recently hand-held touch technology, has great potential for transforming the educative process for the Twentyfirst Century. Technology companies are sitting up and taking notice of this potential, and are increasingly marketing their devices to the education sector. Apple is just one example of a company that has recently made the move to purposefully support the educative process, with the launch of iBooks textbooks in early 2012 – interactive textbooks that offer animations, diagrams, photos, videos and more.