iPad for an Education Major?

[Jazzii]

I have seen mixed reviews about using an iPad as the only computer to take to college, however, it seems like those whom disagree are those who major in science/business and other majors which include specific programs that are not created/ not supported by Apple.

Since I am only an Education major (early childhood & childhood ed to be specific) would the iPad be highly ineffective? And if not, is it really too much work to go to the lab? O.0

I would also purchase a BT keyboard & stylus pen to go along with it.

 

[Ultra50#WP]

Here are some keyboard options to look at Logitech Ultrathin Keyboard Cover and Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K760.

 

[Alli]

Hi Jazzii. As a veteran teacher, I recommend you get a computer and not just an iPad. Even with a keyboard, you are still limited with the iPad. You don't have the full range even in a Word document, that you would on a desktop, and there are still too many apps that you will be required to learn (whether they are grading programs or data aggregation tools) that don't yet run on the iPad. Oh yes, get used to that term "data aggregation," because that's what teaching has turned into.

Don't let the math and science people bully you into thinking they are better or need better tools. Without the "lowly educators" they wouldn't be in college to start with.

 

[Chop]

I like Alli...

OP... I agree - go with a laptop. The iPad is great, and new apps and creative developers constantly push the envelope as far as what it can do. At the end of the day, though, it's still a tablet - one that's geared primarily at media consumption and driven by apps. All of the bluetooth keyboard combos in the world won't really change that. If you want something ultra-portable but still practical and useful for your scholastic needs, go with a MBA.

 

[Jazzii]

I can't afford one

I know this is the iPad forum an all but does anymore know anything about the Asus transformer prime?

 

[whmurray]

I have seen mixed reviews about using an iPad as the only computer to take to college, however, it seems like those whom disagree are those who major in science/business and other majors which include specific programs that are not created/ not supported by Apple.

Since I am only an Education major (early childhood & childhood ed to be specific) would the iPad be highly ineffective? And if not, is it really too much work to go to the lab? O.0

I would also purchase a BT keyboard & stylus pen to go along with it.

Your students will live in a world in which all their toys talk and listen. The iPad is part of the first generation of those toys.

The iPad is superior to any notebook for early childhood education software, It is superior to any computer for college textbooks.

As I sit here, with this iPad in my lap, I have a MacBook Air at my right hand and an iPhone at my left. Ihave three PCs in the room. I operate them all from my iPad.

Every computer is a compromise at a point in time but no freshman will ask your question four years from now. For composition, I might pick up my MacBook. I keep my PCs for legacy applications. For all other purposes, I prefer the IPad.

Buy an iPad and the wonderful Logitech Keyboard mentioned above.

Unlike you, I do not have to make a hard choice. However, if I did, I would choose the iPad. It is the must have. The notebook is the nice to have. You will save enough on textbooks in four tears to pay for a notebook if you want one.

 

[crusty]

iPad all the way

Laptops? PC's? What is this, 2010? Tech has come so far recently that all you need is an iPad. I'm a grad student getting an MS in Clinical Mental Health. There's a TON of reading which I do on Kindle for iPad, since I've yet to NOT find a textbook on Amazon's Kindle store. There's a ton of research, papers, presentations, lecture notes, video, etc. and my iPad 3 handles it all without breaking a sweat.
I've got enough Apple laptops and PCs to open my own Best Buy, but they're collecting dust since I just don't need them. So go with the iPad. No contest.

 

[hearmeoutx]

I am an early childhood education major myself, and I can tell you that the iPad will more than suffice. I used my iPad solely for the past two years and only one two occasions did I have to bring in my laptop. I have a desktop computer I use at home, but to carry around the iPad will be more than enough. Not to mention there are so many early childhood and special education apps for the iPad, that it is going to become a necessity in the near future for all early childhood classrooms.

 

[crusty]

Spare a few hundred?

Actually, it's BECAUSE you're already spending a buttload of money on college that you don't need to spend even more on a PC. A lot of students can't be so blithe about tossing off 'a few hundred more' for a PC if they can't afford it. Not everyone is that lucky. So if comes down to either/or, again, go with the iPad. Then if once in blue moon you need a PC, just hop on a free one at the school or public library for free. But forking out a hundreds more for something you'll hardly ever need is a waste, even if you can afford it. Don't worry, I speak from experience and the new iPad, or even an iPad2 at a reduced price, with all it's amazing capabilities will have your back 99.9% of the time.

 

[gameboy213]

I second the Logitech UltraThin recommendation for this as well.... nice to have the option. I love mine.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[cornista]

Its a way to gain access quick media and write easy documents to print out. And perhaps in the future kids will all get an iPad and just swipe their work from it to the teachers iPad.