Why are iPads good for school?

Every year, more schools are introducing iPads to their classrooms for the first time.

However, there are still many that prefer to stick to more traditional teaching methods.

It’s a significant investment to make, so schools need to be clear on what iPads will be used for and the benefits they expect them to deliver. If you’re not sure whether iPads are right for your school, read on and we’ll explain how they can help children of all ages.

Interactivity

There is a wide range of educational apps for iPads that are designed to grab and hold students’ attention through interactivity. Rather than just watching or reading something, these apps allow instant and ongoing input from children to keep them engaged. Coupled with regular feedback, they know exactly how they’re doing without the teacher having to check every single interaction.

Versatility

iPads can be customised in a multitude of ways for different classes and individual students. Depending on the age range and ability, different apps can be installed to focus on visual or hands-on learning. If some students have learning difficulties, iPads can be customised to cater for them and enhance their learning experience.

iPads are small and light so they can be easily taken with the class if a teacher wants to treat children to an outside lesson on a warm day. Instead of taking all their books and pens, they just need to pick up one device and they have everything they need.

Economy

Yes, introducing iPads to your classroom does require investment, but they’re not as expensive as you might think.

First of all, consider the savings they will bring:

By using iPads you can reduce the number of textbooks and the amount of paper that your school uses. Not only will this improve your environmental credentials, but it will save you money on purchasing and storing these items. And whilst you may still need to purchase some e-books to be read on iPads, these will typically be much cheaper than buying physical books.

Reports also suggest that reducing paper in this way can cut administrative time, allowing staff to focus their efforts more on students rather than paperwork. Instead of needing different physical files for each student, everything can be accessed from one device, making assessment much easier and faster.

And you won’t be paying high street prices for all your iPads. Educational and bulk discounts are available to make them much more affordable, and there are various grants and funding that schools can apply for.

Proven benefits of iPads for schools

A recent study by Stranmills University College in Northern Ireland found several benefits of using iPads in schools. There were several key findings including:

• iPads enhanced children’s communication skills
• Children viewed using iPads for learning as play and were more enthused when working with them
• iPads have the potential to enhance numeracy skills in more engaging and exciting ways
• Fine motor skills were reinforced when children used a stylus to practise writing letters on screen
• iPads increased children’s confidence and ownership of learning
• The introduction of iPads had a positive impact on teachers’ motivation and enthusiasm

Find out more

Introducing technology such as iPads to the classroom can be a daunting prospect. Especially if your teachers don’t have experience in using them.

That’s why Counterpoint offers a range of services that make the transition as easy as possible for you.

As well as getting the best deals on purchasing or leasing iPads, we’ll configure? and support them for you as well. You don’t need to have any expertise on-site, just tell us what you want from your iPads and we’ll take care of everything.