Public schools in Seattle are testing out the use of mobile internet devices in classrooms, according to NWCN Seattle, but they are proceeding with caution, blocking out popular social networking sites, like Facebook, Twitter and Myspace.
Many educators believe that access to technology in the classroom via an iPad, document camera or HDMI projector gives students a distinct advantage, encouraging comprehension by introducing students to information in novel ways.
Eric Caldwell, the district manager of Library Services and Classroom technology, lauded the Seattle school district's iPad pilot program, which gives students in classrooms access to the popular Apple tablet computer, but he noted that connection to the internet and social networking websites did pose concerns. Despite these potential distractions, other staff members enthused about the benefits of the technology.
"Whenever one of those rolls out of here, it's my library rolling out the door," Debbie Arthur, a Librarian at Ballard High School told the source, noting the astounding capacity and convenience of the tablet computers.
In other parts of the country, some schools have encouraged students to use their own smartphones, tablet computers and laptops for research in the classroom. While similar concerns about misuse have arisen in these cases, many educators and administrators found success using technology-use contracts to limit a student's privileges if he or she violates school policies.
