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Today, the local middle and high school in our area launched a 1:1 iPad initiative with the distribution of student devices.

Many people have probably questioned why these and other students need the bells and whistles of the iPad or various other types of technology. I have heard comments from parents that go something like this – ‘schools just need to focus on reading and math.  That is how it was for us and we turned out just fine.’ These skeptics could argue that an iPad or other technology is a distraction or a frivolous addition that brings little bang for the buck.

And if the iPad or any technology is viewed simple for its features, it probably fits that definition. As Dan Meyer, CEO of Atomic Learning and one of the speakers from this morning’s kick-off session at the school shared, “there are probably people who are asking, will an iPod or iPad make you a better learner? I would say no. The iPad won’t make you a better learner, any better than riding in a car makes you a better driver…It’s a device. But it’s going to give you an opportunity.”