Study Shows iPads in Kindergarten Class Improve Literacy – What it Could Mean for Pilot 1:1 Programs
According to a new article on iPadInsight, the iPad is proving to boost literacy rates in Kindergarten classes amongst participants in a recent pilot by the Auburn School Department. The article shares some exciting results as well as some excellent insights regarding potential utilization of iPads as a transformational platform in early childhood education.
Many schools dip their proverbial toes in the waters of 1:1 by piloting lower-cost platforms such as iPads or Netbooks for older students. These schools often then commit to a more comprehensive and more expensive program based on Macbook or Windows notebook computers. The news that iPads can have such a significant impact on early literacy rates raises an interesting planning consideration for schools that have done so or are planning to do so.
Given the positive results indicated by the Auburn School Department study, schools may want to look at initial iPad investments as having a dual purpose – first providing a pilot platform for a broader 1:1 program, and once retired in favor of more advanced platforms, a second life as a valuable teaching tool for kindergarten classes. In this way, schools can extend the useful life of their initial iPad investment as well as provide an educational advantage to their youngest students.
The iPadInsight article with links to the Auburn School Department’s report may be found here.
