求關於ipad對大學生的影響的英語作文
Apple has been revolutionizing the way we look at technology over the last three decades. The first Macintosh came out in 1984. Fast forward to 2001 and the iPod set new standards in music. Six years later, the iPhone created a whole new way of communication with it's broad range of applications and Wi-Fi capabilities.
But Apple didn't stop there. In Steve Job's recently-published biography, author Walter Isaacson writes that the textbook industry was one Jobs really wanted to change. Apple recently launched it's new education plan, making textbooks and other learning tools available to students through the iPad.
iPads are now being distributed through public schools in every state. White Knoll High School has brought iPads into their classrooms. Brad Tillman, a probability and statistics teacher, uses these devices in his classroom everyday.
"For me it's as much about communication as it is about gathering data...the real world data they put in stat books is out dated the next month," said Tillman.
The students are allowed to use laptops in the classroom as well, but some agree the iPads are a lot more user friendly.
"Its a lot easier than lugging around a laptop," says senior Jacob Greer.
Even Tillman says the capabilities of the iPads exceed that of laptops.
"As a math teacher I didn't really want laptops, cause we can't do a lot of things that we can do on the iPad," said Tillman.
These devices aren't just being used in high schools. The iPads have become popular with college students, so popular that the University of South Carolina started an iPad rental program in January.
The iPads are available through a check out system in the Tech Lounge at the Thomas Cooper Library. Since the program has started they've already had about four hundred checkouts. Manager Lance Dupree says integrating this new technology into student's curriculum is what he wants to see.
"We're always looking for new ways that they can be used by the students to further their education," said Dupree.
USC tried to cover a broad spectrum of what students might need for their classes with forty seven applications available. Including games such as Angry Birds on the iPads.
Have these devices which were intended for educational purposes become a distraction in the classroom? Psychology professor Dr. Adam Hutcheson understand that listening to lectures aren't always fun.
"I understand its easy to check out, but it doesn't give them an excuse to be playing Angry Birds for the entire 50 min duration of the class," said Hutcheson.
And what happens when winning a game becomes more important than taking notes?
"When its a better reward than learning something new in class than to get a good grade, we have a problem," said Hutcheson.
Tillman says the iPads can be a great tool for teachers, but there are negatives.
"I think there are several ways where the iPad has revolutionized my classroom and other ways where its the same ole same ole distractions," said Tillman.
High school freshman, Bianca Lopez agrees that it's sometimes hard to pay attention in class with an iPad.
"I think its better in a way but at the same time its distracting," said Lopez.
Some students say it makes class participation for enjoyable.
"I feel like more people are involved cause they can do it on their iPads," said Greer.
The Tech Lounge hopes students are actually using iPads for academics. Dupree says it would be worth the risk to find out.
"I really feel that the student who takes the time and customizes it to their way of learning, that flexibility far out ways someone playing angry birds in class," said Dupree.
Tillman says all teachers can do is try and use these tools to engage the students.
"I have no idea what the next step will be we have to be able to mold and fit ourselves to what's going to work... I've got to be flexible and keep up with the students," said Tillman.