Project+news

We enjoyed an informative session delivered by Karl Videmanis from Apple. The session was video-taped. Here is a link to the video (at Karl's request, I've put it in a password protected environment under MEDSU in Blackboard):
 * 15 October 2010**

Introductory video

Those that attended the introductory session were asked to complete a short questionnaire to collect baseline data at the inception of the project. For those that did not attend, it would be appreciated if you could also complete the questionnaire. It is located at:

[]


 * 29 April 2011**

We are not alone...

A number of large iPad trials have recently commenced in other educational contexts in Australia: - 650-700 science students at Adelaide University were given free iPads in 2011 (see [|Campus Review] article). It is interesting that medical students at Stanford University began receiving free iPads in August last year ( [|Stanford School of Medicine] ). - 53 students at RMIT University's new pharmacy degree program were given an iPad as a basic tool in the learning process (see article in [|The Age] ). - Trinity College, University of Melbourne allocated 44 mid-year entry students an iPad in August and will provide iPads to all of its students in 2011 (see [|project report] in Google Docs). - Victorian and Queensland state education systems are implementing large scale trials in multiple schools (Victorian [|project website] ; Queensland [|project website] ). Most current trials in Australia focus on student use of the device with some like Adelaide University claiming that the investment in an iPad will actually save students money in the long run by negating the need to purchase expensive text books. Clearly there are teaching, learning and administrative benefits and risks to implementing iPads in educational contexts. Our project seeks to articulate and document these benefits and risks, providing recommendations to the School Executive along the way.

iPads and VGA adapters

Apple has a VGA adapter for the iPad which is designed to project the image on the iPad to a larger screen (e.g. multimedia projector/TV screen). One of the aims of our iPad project is to consider the effectiveness of the device for a range of teaching and learning situations. Using the VGA adapter with the ipad can be useful with groups of 4+ and even in lecture theatres. However, there are a number of drawbacks.

Whilst iPad 2 has an adapter that support s video mirroring (whatever is on the iPad screen will also appear on the projector), the use of a VGA adapter with the first generation of iPads can be a little problematic.

What it can render through the VGA adapter:

- Presentations through the Keynote App. - Some video formats through the Web, for example YouTube and ScreenCast (note that Flash video formats are not supported by iPads). - Some video formats through the “Videos” folder on the iPad (note that protected videos will not play). - Images through the “Photos” folder on the iPad (only in slideshow mode though).

What it cannot render through the VGA adapter:

- HTML, PPT, DOC, JPEG, PDF and Flash files accessed either through the Web or locally on the iPad. - Medical Apps such as Epocrates and iRadiology.

Therefore, the VGA adapter for first generation iPads is useful for presenting information, but not good for conducting group inquiries (e.g. through the Web). It is also useful for viewing video material, but not good for engaging with interactive material such as those available through the Flash player. If you think that you will use the VGA adapter under the circumstances outlined above, contact Frank Bate by May 20. He will arrange a bulk purchase through Apple. Thanks to Alan Wright for his help in reviewing the VGA adapter.

iPads and USBs

Apple’s decision not to include a USB port in either first generation iPads or iPad 2 may be a little irritating for some. However, it probably reflects broader moves in the IT world towards “cloud-based” applications. For example, consider using [|Dropbox] or [|Google docs] to view files your iPad. These applications are also a useful off-site back-up device.

Data collection

Frank Bate will be in touch shortly to collect data for the project through interviews, and where possible, observe small group teaching sessions using the iPad. These are important events in the project as they will inform if/how we progress the use of the device in the future.