This document summarizes a study on using iPads in a 4th grade classroom in Austria. [1] It found that iPads increased student motivation and willingness to help each other. [2] Well-designed educational apps were useful, and students enjoyed the variety of apps. [3] However, issues included WiFi instability, distraction from overhearing teachers, envy among students, and apps not being designed for long-term use.

1. Sabrina Huber, Martin Ebner
Social Learning
Computer and Information Services
Graz University of Technology

2. “I think this could very well be the biggest thing to
hit school technology since the overhead
projector.”
“Pens and paper is much more effective in helping
people learn and remember.”
“It has brought individual technology into the
classroom without changing the classroom
atmosphere.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/05/education/05tablets.html?pagewanted=all

3. 16 brand-new iPads
4th form of the “Praxisvolksschule Salzburg”
7 girls, 17 boys
Two periods – six and four weeks
Netbook class

6. Higher motivation
of students
Willingness to help
Didactically well-
conceived apps
(e.g. geographical
apps)
Great variety of
apps (regardless of
their language)

7. Higher motivation
of students
Willingness to help
Didactically well-
conceived apps
(e.g. geographical
apps)
Great variety of
Easy filesharing
apps (regardless of
(Dropbox etc.)
their language)

8. Higher motivation Leight weight and
of students form
GUI = very intuitive
Willingness to help
Didactically well- Easy access to
conceived apps information
(e.g. geographical
apps)
Textbook publishers
Great variety of – collaborations
Easy filesharing
apps (regardless of with software
(Dropbox etc.)
their language) companies

10. Overhearing
teachers’
instructions.
Arousing envy
Availability in
German
Time-fillers
Apps not long-
lasting

11. Overhearing Instable Wi-Fi
teachers’ connection;
instructions. overload
Students’ posture
Arousing envy
Availability in
German
Time-fillers
Apps not long-
lasting

12. Overhearing Instable Wi-Fi
teachers’ connection;
instructions. overload
Students’ posture
Arousing envy
Availability in
Choice of German
textbooks
Time-fillers
Time-consuming
Apps not long-
for teachers
lasting

14. Huge unexploited potential
Stronger focus on lack of functions and students’
needs (long-lasting apps…)
Lack of adequately reflected practical experience
Place in special needs learning environment

15. Sabrina Huber, Martin Ebner
Social Learning
Computer and Information Services
Graz University of Technology
Steyrergasse 30
A-8010 Graz
sabrina.huber@student.tugraz.at
martin.ebner@tugraz.at
Presentation available on:
elearningblog.tugraz.at