IPAD – WELCOME TO MY HUMBLE ABODE OF EDUCATION

Tablet devices are getting noticed in educational systems from pre-school to university-level. Since 2010 iPad has been best-selling tablet worldwide. This article examines the invasion of iPad devices in the pedagogical context of the senior high school teachers.

In order to plan for the further integration of information and communication technology (ICT) into primary, secondary and tertiary education over the next decade, it is first necessary to have some understanding of what that technology is likely to be. Unfortunately given the speed at which current technology changes and new technologies are introduced, it is difficult for every educator to keep up with the state of art in ICT, much less plan for using those technologies to help students learn and teachers teach. (McManus & Kumpulainen 2002, 48.)

Current cultural environment includes many technological devices and people who use new technology (Mikkola, Rahikkala, Kumpulainen & Riekki 2010, 7). One of the most interesting new technology that has landed home, work and education, is tablet devices. Due to technical, economical and pedagogical reasons many institutes have chosen Apple iPad for educational purposes. According to Ian Wilson there are eleven reasons why to use iPads for learning: 1. It occupies a new space in technology. 2. It will help to personalise learning. 3. The end of networks? The iPad could be the beginning of the end of the dominance of managed networks in education. 4. It could also be the start of a large reduction in the role of the technical support needed in schools. 5. No more ICT suites – no more dark, windowless rooms and timetabling when learners can access computers. 6. It’s a blank canvas - the scope for apps written specifically for teaching and learning is huge. 7. Instant-on & all-day battery. 8. Auto-Save. 9. Contextual Learning. 10. When all the potential functionality of the iPad is added up, iPad is a Personal Learning Studio. 11. For the first time we have a device which is agile enough to meet the learning needs for any subject, any age and all abilities. (http://www.ipadineducation.ianwilson.biz)

In this study four primary research questions were stated:
1. What are the most popular iPad-related technological choices for senior high school teacher for their pedagogical purposes?
2. What kind of support do senior high school teachers need for using iPad in pedagogical context?
3. Does the use of iPads compare to cooperation and collaboration among senior high school staff and students?
4. How does senior high school teachers welcome iPads in mental and professional level?

The Oulu University Teacher Training School (OUTS) is one of eleven teacher training schools in Finland. Like many other institutes, OUTS provided new iPad for staff members and first year senior high school students in the beginning of the school year 2013. By using web-based survey the welcoming reactions towards their new tools were examined. Supplementary data was gathered by interviewing staff members.

Results indicate versatile enthusiasm, but also a voice of criticism was heard. Several practical tips and best practices for educational purposes were also found. The fact that all respondents serve also as teacher trainers brings a special stress for findings. However findings are preliminary, further research is needed to compare staff and student in results.