This is why education often gets less credibility outside of our field-and deservedly so. iPads have been around long enough for us to consider if they boost learning. We need strong metrics to define out opinions. The current work and the basis of the article seem irresponsible.

I have introduced iPads in independent schools where students have shown progress based on the use of iPads. Nothing touchy-feely here, just hard data.

It’s really your negative connotation and disregard for actual information acquired by this sample that has a lot to be re-evaluated. This preliminary study along with many other more quantitative and statistical studies will continue to be done in the future. I find it disgraceful that people bring so much negativity to change and progression in education. There has been so little change done in the last 30 years it’s a shame. I find this is probably because many people have the same negative ideas and difficulty to accept trying things out. Technologically speaking.

The idea is not just if people like the tablet but if they actually find themselves more engaged by the content that’s provided maybe they will actually retain the information. If one 9 year old child can spend more time paying attention to long division or say they actually “like” math then that may lead to many more opportunities in time. I surely can’t recall anyone saying they “liked” their math book in 4th grade. That in itself is coming a long way.

And in regards to taxpayers dollars that are spent on experimental tools to help children learn. Of the billions upon billions of dollars that are spent on frivolous waste by bureaucracy and useless govt. spending, this is hardly money misspent. Also if you look at in a slightly bigger picture, what these kids use the Ipad for they are not spending on other resources such as paperback reading material and other material that needs to be purchased yearly. Hence diminishing the cost of material, especially over time.

It’s about time some change and advancement is occurring with technology. This is just the beginning. I find it difficult to believe we’re doing harm by it. I guess we’ll see.

There will be many studies to come which I’m sure will give improved understanding and quantifiability to the implementation of hand-held devices in cognitive learning. One can’t guarantee that it will be a step in the right direction but more than likely these devices will bring about a much improved way to bring information to all people. ie. Kahn academy and it’s immediate access on a hand held device.

Just imagine how powerful “ice cream” could be if that was all it took to raise kids level of knowledge or aided in kids studying? I mean if all it took for kids to be more motivated was a piece of candy, I think school programs should start implementing a whole new concept. Ice cream for A’s. That way kids would actually learn more.

And with regards to Mr. Cross’ comment on “whizz kids” and why we’re not all geniuses today. I guess he hasn’t noticed the things going on in today’s technologically growing society. A couple people who may have been more “engaged” with computers and learning kind of made something for themselves. Maybe you guys even use there technology today, ie, reddit, twitter, facebook. A couple of these “engaged” kids are on the billionaire list. Maybe they learned something more after all. But then again, whether kids like to learn this way or not doesn’t really hold any weight.