ipads....For so much more than consumption!
iPads sometimes get a bad rap in schools, often dismissed as distractions or just a way for students to passively consume content. When used for creation over consumption though, they become powerful tools for learning, engagement, and expression. An iPad isn’t just a device—it’s a class set of cameras, camcorders, and infinite art supplies all rolled into one. I often think back to my early 2000s middle school classroom...and what my teachers would have given to even have a class set of digital cameras, let alone all the creative tools rolled into this one amazing device! Those same tools are often overlooked though, when we focus on the tool for simply browsing the internet, playing games, or collaborating on Google Docs.
The iPad is a tool that can transform how students show what they know, giving them the ability to create, design, record, edit, and innovate in ways that traditional methods can’t always offer. With Apple’s built-in suite of tools like Pages, Keynote, Numbers, Camera, iMovie, and GarageBand, every student has access to a variety of creative ways to demonstrate their learning, regardless of skill level or subject area.
Focusing on built-in tools helps students build capacity for using technology in meaningful ways across subjects. Instead of spending valuable time learning countless different apps, they can dive right into using technology to showcase their thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This approach also supports social-emotional learning as students build confidence in their abilities, collaborate with peers on creative projects, and share their work in ways that make learning more personal and meaningful. Not every technology project needs to be a big one—some of the most impactful learning moments happen in just a few minutes. Providing choice and encouraging students to take ownership of their learning creates opportunities for more students to succeed, making iPads a true tool for empowerment rather than just another screen.
