iPads and learning with technology

I was surprised and thrilled by the gift of an iPad this Christmas:  I wanted one - they were so cool!   Little did I know how useful my iPad was to become.  I could organize my calendar digitally (which I had tried in many ways, from phone to computer, but nothing had been easier or more practical than a write-in diary....until the iPad), I could keep up with classes without having to lug my laptop along, I could have two screens up at one time, helping me research ideas and thoughts while always having my main work in front of me to edit.....just a ton of different ways that the tool has become something that I can't imagine not having readily available.  So useful and all-encompassing, that I am seriously thinking of saving some money and getting rid of the smartphone.  Who needs it with an iPad?

BUT!

Having said all of that, I still thought that it was kind of ridiculous that there are schools out there with iPad programs.  Kids with iPads?  That is crazy!  When do they learn to read?  How do they learn to write?  Without the education that 'we' all had, these great toys wouldn't event be invented, so why are we taking those basic lessons away from our kids?
But now, my mind is changing.  I see the benefits of teaching with technology and how learning through critical thinking can actually be enhanced, not slowed down........as long as it is done correctly!  As long as the technology is a tool and not a toy.  Why waste time on learning redundant facts that will be forgotten semester's end, when you can have these students interacting with the world, learning real skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
Does that mean that you forget the reading and writing?  Does that mean that basic math facts should be neglected?  Absolutely not!  But does it mean that teachers have a new tool?  That school districts can help students prepare for real life?  That the obvious motivation and interest shown by students when faced with technology over a book should be taken advantage of?  Well of course!
And what about writing?
Yes, the iPad DOES work for that too!  Keep the thought process going and think with an open mind as you check out the following article: http://www.readwriteweb.com/archives/why-the-ipad-works-for-writing.php.
What do you think?


Photo used with permission, under Creative Commons, by Denise Krebs at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mrsdkrebs/6400358699/