Journal+Review

=**__Journal Review__** =

Countless schools today are trying to keep up to date with the ever growing technology. Technology may be growing at a fast pace, however their budgets are not. Schools want to stay up to date, but their lack of funding makes it extremely difficult. Many schools are opting to use Apple’s new iPad2, but they cost between $499 and $699! The majority of schools do not have that kind of funding available. Many states, such as Virginia and Illinois, are now piloting Apple’s iPad. “The Virginia Department of Education is phasing in the second wave of a pilot program that uses Apple’s iPad tablet computers as the centerpiece of a social studies curriculum that blends online and face-to-face learning.” Experts show valid reasons to use the iPad’s; they only weigh around a pound, the battery life lasts eight to ten hours, they are more portable and they have a less start up time than laptops. Many teachers and administrators have found them very beneficial for the classroom. Although, others have their doubts; some are worried that the iPad’s have not been out long enough and it’s risky to use them in class. They are not sure if the money and the learning time are worth it. In my opinion I believe that new technology is always fun and exciting to play with. As a kid it was always fun to go to the computer lab and get on the computer for educational games. As technology increases it only gets more fascinating. Everyone loves games, so taking something educational and making it fun is a win win for everyone. It helps keep their interest on the topic at hand. They start to learn without even realizing it. One way to help make it successful is to back up what they are learning on the iPad with another assignment or activity that helps reinforce what they just learned. IPad’s are the new trend; kids see them on television every day. Many kids might not even have a computer at home or have limited access to it. In today’s society technology is constantly growing, which makes it hard to afford the coolest and newest item, but I believe if you can afford it, then by all means include technology into teaching as much as possible.