Brandon, B. (2010) Apple’s iPad: what does it offer for e-learning? Learning Solutions Magazine January 27
I was wondering how to comment on the iPad without having actually seen it (it’s not available yet in Canada), when Clayton Wright (many thanks) directed me to this article, which is comprehensive and with regard to e-learning, reflects both my opinion and Clayton’s, given what we know so far.
Also make sure you read the comments to the article – especially the very last sentence of Bill’s response to the comments.
Despite Bill Brandon’s last comment, it’s not too soon for mainstream educators to start thinking of how they would design teaching and learning using media rich, low cost user-friendly mobile devices, because the iPad does indicate the kind of devices that will be available and suitable for e-learning in the near future (three to five years), when the price comes down to around $200, there are additional features, such as a camera, and more competitors.
A major limitation that is unlikely to go away will be the cost of data plans. At the moment, the AT&T data plan costs $350 a year – OK if students are going to pay this anyway for personal use but expensive if it is an additional cost on top of the cost of the device.
In the meantime, the iPad is an important step forward in the evolution of devices that can be used for e-learning.