iPad = must have?

Well, after using the iPad in our class, I told my husband yesterday that I really wanted my own iPad. I love this little device!! It's so fun and there are so many ways it can be used in a classroom. There are MULTIPLE applications that are so perfect for "student-centered" learning. From the articles I read, iPads get kids excited about learning. iPads are fun and interesting and seem to encourage inquiring minds. HOWEVER....

iPads may not necessarily change education. It is the TEACHER who must inspire, not the iPad. Two of the articles I read spoke about this issue. The iPad is great, absolutely - but if it's not used in the right way or with the right methods it will not be effective in the classroom. I liked this quote from a link to one of the suggested articles: "It's a tool, like any other, and in the classroom it must always be thought of as being in the service of pedagogy. The pedagogical foundations must be solid, because the tool will achieve no heights the underlying pedagogy will not support." (taken from - It's the Pedagogy, Stupid: Lessons from an iPad Lending Program By Heather Beattey Johnston and Carolyn J. Stoll, University of Cincinnati)

I agree....TEACHERS have to use the technology of the iPad in proper ways in order to effectively serve students. The iPad, in my opinion, would be an awesome tool to use to help educate and inspire students.

Now on to the ebook reader....
Wow.
I really liked using this feature! I love being able to highlight and add notes - and then to be able to see all your notes/highlights is really great. I also love that Apple (apparently) has made up a new word: oleophobic....I tried to look up that word on the iPad dictionary, but it said there was no definition found. I love the creativity and ingenuity of Apple. :) The ebook feature is cost effective and saves some trees....I'm all for it.