Menlo College Opens New Doorways with the iPad2

Justin Padilla
Menlo Oak Staff

The development of technology has drastically changed the way the world works. People are always looking for innovative ways to accomplish things faster and better. Menlo College seeks change through the use of implementing iPad2s in class.

Menlo College has currently been experimenting on the use of the iPad 2 in one of their courses, Human Resource Management. Luckily, I was able to be a part of this experiment and see first hand how useful it will be to use the iPad 2 in class.

The Human Resource Management professor, Pauline Fatien gave to each student an iPad 2 with a protective case. Students rented the iPad 2 for free, however they were responsible for any damages with the product with the consequence of having to pay a fine at full retail.

The implementation of the iPad 2, allowed the class to upload the power point slides based on required readings, open up an ebook and add their personal notes. Students were also given class activities where they had to answer questions on a forum in Menlo College’s Moodle website, which is a course management system that creates a collaborative online learning site. With the iPad 2, students had the opportunity to do online simulations of situational analysis based on each chapter.

I think the use of the iPad in a classroom is very different. I like how I don’t need to carry that much to class. All I really need is my iPad and some writing material just in case. I no longer need to bring a textbook because now I can read it on the tablet. By using the iPad 2 in class, I am able to organize my notes as well as submit homework quickly and efficiently on the device.

The iPad is very compact and has versatile applications, but some students may be having too much fun with their new devices. A downfall of having the iPad in class is that students become distracted. Students are always on their iPads while there is a presentation or class discussion. Students are expected to be participating, taking notes and giving their attention to the speaker. But sometimes, students are browsing the web and playing with different applications. Unfortunately, the professor has little control on what actually happens on each student’s iPad. Some students found that they would rather use a traditional laptop instead of an iPad.

“I find that using the iPad 2 isn’t as effective compared to my laptop” explains Menlo College student Theresa Yi Ng. “I find it faster to type on a keyboard than on a screen.”

With new technology come new opportunities that can only be successful if they are properly implemented or controlled. I think the use of the iPad 2 is great, however it still needs some improvements. Maybe the iPad 2s used in class can have preset restrictions to prevent students from spending time on websites such as Facebook. Another option is the use of i>clicker, a small handheld device that allows for class participation and interaction through problem solving. Nevertheless, Menlo College’s efforts to advance learning techniques through technology are and hold promise for the future.