Not a Toy, but a Tool

Book excerpt: iPads are powerful tools for engaging students, encouraging creativity, stimulating critical thinking, and making significant strides in learning. This book is part of a two book set that will allow educators to realize the full potential of the iPad. Over 200 highly rated apps are covered with specific ideas for classroom activities and teaching strategies. Descriptions include ideas for using iPads in classrooms where each student owns an iPad, as well as where there is just a small number of iPads or even just a single device. The first chapter of this book supports the effectiveness of iPads, focusing on what the iPad is, why is should be used and how it can be used. Then two chapters are dedicated to apps that are valuable for all subject areas. The last three chapters focus on apps appropriate for use in the humanities classrooms. In consideration of education budgets, all the apps are free or low cost. The information in this book is appropriate for K12 teachers, university professors, media specialists, K12 administrators, parents and students.