[elearning] iPads for schools

[Donna Benjamin]

Interesting!

So Brighton Grammar has had 'em for a couple of months already.
http://www.itwire.com/business-it-news/technology/39448-brighton-grammar-hand-out-ipads 

Kids hospital, Manor Lakes and VCA got 'em last week 
(who are the other 5 in the trial?)
http://delimiter.com.au/2010/05/28/victorian-premier-buys-500-ipads-for-schools/
http://news.smh.com.au/breaking-news-national/vic-students-give-ipad-the-thumbs-up-20100528-wkxg.html
http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/newsroom/10578.html 

Here's a couple of articles with first thoughts on Usability and
designing for the iPad
http://www.nngroup.com/reports/mobile/ipad/ 
http://informationarchitects.jp/wired-on-ipad-just-like-a-paper-tiger/ 

There are plenty of alternative devices...
http://mashable.com/2010/01/27/9-upcoming-tablet-alternatives-to-the-apple-ipad/ 

Real Question: What's the real opportunity for learning with a device
like this? Brand buzz aside...

What is it?
- An internet connected mobile device for accessing information 
 (not just a storage/display device for digitised textbooks)

- Is it a mobile library - a digital Alexandria?

- Is it also good for creating information? Publishing?

- Does it promote collaboration?

- How will it enable and empower learners to solve problems in the real
world?

Next... creating content for these devices... We already have websites
with mobile themes... the nielsen analysis suggests that current user
interface design for the web or mobiles doesn't seem quite right for the
iPad.  What are the implications of those design considerations for this
as a learning / publishing device?  

Random Googly: What about accessibility?  
If you can't see, can you touch?

Your thoughts?

:)

-- 
Donna Benjamin - Executive Director
Creative Contingencies - http://cc.com.au
ph +61 3 9326 9985 - mob +61 418 310 414
open source - facilitation - web services