What Does the Research Say?
The first iPads were made available in April of 2010. Some "bleeding edge" schools implemented iPad programs as early as fall of 2010. Many more, including St. Matthew's, adopted programs in the fall of 2011. Given this quick timeline, it is understandable that research in the area of iPads in education is very limited. However, reports are beginning to surface about the efficacy of this device in the learning environment. Here are a few:
Additional Research in Technology and 1:1 Schools
The first iPads were made available in April of 2010. Some "bleeding edge" schools implemented iPad programs as early as fall of 2010. Many more, including St. Matthew's, adopted programs in the fall of 2011. Given this quick timeline, it is understandable that research in the area of iPads in education is very limited. However, reports are beginning to surface about the efficacy of this device in the learning environment. Here are a few:
- The iPad as a Tool for Education - A study of the introduction of iPads at Longfield Academy, Kent, UK the full report can be downloaded in PDF format here.
- iPads: What Are We Learning? - Summary report of provincial data gathering, government of Alberta CA.
- iPad Research Study - Pepperdine University's research study begun in August of 2010.
- University level research - Pepperdine's links to other universities and colleges with similar studies.
- iPad Studies - A series of research articles compiled by Abilene Christian University.
Additional Research in Technology and 1:1 Schools
- Project RED - Project RED conducted a national survey of technology programs in 1,000 schools, which is the first and only national research focusing on academic results and the financial implication of education technology. The findings showed that if effectively implemented, technology programs can lead to improved student achievement and significant return on investment. With a call to action, Project RED is now launching, The Project RED Community: From Research to Results. Download the full report from Pearson.
- NAIS Schools of the Future - This report is a good resource for understanding the overall impact of technology in schools.
- Toward A New Learning Ecology - This report from the Friday Institute covers the topic of teaching and learning in 1:1 environments.
- eLearning Readings and Research - A series of research findings curated by the Victoria Department of Education.
- The Horizon Report, K-12 Edition for 2012 - This is a collaborative research effort that identifies emerging technologies and their impact on education over the next five years. Some technologies are highlighted for their immediate impact (one year or less) while others are projected over the next three to five years. NMC also provides the Horizon Report as an iOS app that gets updated regularly.
- Learning is Personal - Stories of Android tablet use in the 5th grade. Although the project used Android tablets, the findings are applicable to the use of iPads in the classroom.
