Reader article: using the iPad at school

per Matheus Augusto Silva Pinho

At various times, as readers of websites and blogs related to the Apple world, we noticed the company's concern with integrated education in the use of its devices. Programs that help college students buy iPads and Macs to help with their studies have been around for some time in the country. But does all this technology really increase student productivity?

Recently the published a report on the great rejection of iPads by students in schools in the State of Maine, USA. I am a frequent reader of the site and I noticed the curiosity of many people in the comments about the use of this gadget for education.

Typically, the integration of technology mainly in places such as schools, where paper and pen are traditionally used, encounters many barriers that hinder their development. However, the Colgio Sigma (DF) where I study, aiming at all the existing possibilities on the iPad, implemented the digital material for High School in 2012, as a pioneer throughout Brazil. Thus, through this article, I report not only mine but also the experience of teachers and coordinators with the material.

We use the iPad as a book all day, however the notes and exercises are done in the notebooks. All books are purchased and stored in an application called “Gerao Digital”. I believe that, like paper books, digital has its pros and cons. I see as positive the fact that all the material made by the school's teachers, thus having all the necessary content to study for Enem and entrance exams.

In addition, they are frequently updated as, for example, with the Biology book that always gains new discoveries in the scientific world. Another positive point in not having to carry a lot of weight on your back (437g, in the case of iPad Air 2).

Sometimes, after long days of study, I find myself very tired and with pain in my eyes for having to look at the screen of the device for a long time, this being the biggest negative point of the material, in my opinion. The book also presents some errors related to the content, which makes us discouraged by the study.

The interface of the book is very easy to handle and the pages are very complete, with many images. In addition, we have several applications that facilitate and speed up the study, which is great.

When asked about the subject, Brigitte Ritter, a Sigma student, reported that the material most often works very well for her, but only when she has a lot of willpower to study because she is usually distracted by some games also installed on the gadget. Several other students corroborated this argument and said that they much prefer physical books.

“Something very common at school is the students' distraction with the tablet”, said Professor Fernando (from Portugus). “I feel that students are more dispersed when studying because of the tablet and I realize that many prefer the traditional book because of the contact with the paper and the possibility of taking notes more easily. But I think we have to evolve, and I support the school's initiative. ”

As a student, I also support the initiative of the colleges to want to advance technologically, but at the same time I recommend a cautious introduction of the material so that the impact does not end up being negative and decreases the students' performance.

And you, what do you think? If you have any questions, ask in the comments! 🏾

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