It is better to have 8 iPads permanently in the classroom than share 32 iPads across 4 classes.
Last week, I worked in 6 schools in 5 days. 2 of these schools were recently "outstanding" in OFSTED terms. Across these 6 schools, less than 5% of the staff were on twitter (no big deal, but interesting). The schools, both Primary and Secondary were united in their struggle to manage class sets of iPads.
1:1 is the best model for iPads in school, but this is not always feasible.
It is better to have 8 iPads permanently in the classroom than share 32 iPads across 4 classes.
The 8iPads project supports,
Breaking down class sets of iPads into sets of 8 to create 1:1 for 25% of the time.
a 1:4 ratio to help schools modernise the management of learning in classroom and beyond
delivering relevant and engaging lessons
being a confident digital citizen
capturing and sharing evidence of learning
saving money, using free tools and smart processes
social learning
A balance between physical and digital skills/experiences
Many schools are looking at 1:1 projects or bring your own device projects (BYOD).
This is part driven by some common sense, budgets and of course encouraged by Apple and others that want to ship a shed load of product.
Think about this for a second, well maybe a little longer... 8 iPads across 32 learners, offers in a typical state school, a 1:4 ratio. That's 25% digital 75 physical world time.
In my school (If I led one) I would want as much F2F time (sorry Face to face time) as possible. Kids sitting silo'd with iPads in classrooms all day, is not a good thing. Neither is "disconnected" learning.
So imagine a school that is 1:1 25% of the time. Will the kids be disadvantaged in relation to a 1:1 school? I don't think so.
Is that a good balance? It 's better than 0.
From this 8 iPad platform, a wide variety of other web enabled devices can be used in school and at home to support this using free learning/publishing spaces.
Free learning/sharing spaces include, but there will be others,
Edmodo
Showbie
Soundcloud/Audio Boo
Youtube/Vimeo
Google Drive/Dropbox/Microsoft Skydrive
Khan Academy et al
Wordpress/Edublogs your blogging tool of choice etc
All of the above sit neatly, for free in app format on the 8 iPads. These tools are accessible for teachers and learners own device at home.
The challenge is managing the process. I don't have the all answers, I have some of them.
To some experienced practitioners this will be obvious. However we are not all Geek and technically confident.
However there are hundreds of schools trying to use class sets of iPads and struggling. This site focuses on using 8 devices in state education classrooms.
I'm offering free support to 8 schools that want get involved. You need 8 iPads and a laptop. I can't sell you these things. I'm not selling you anything!
This sharing space is about maximising impact and minimising cost, stress and hassle with iPad technology in the classroom.
It is an experimental space that doesn't confess (like some iPad Training/Consultancy folk) to have all the answers. It is truly independent.
Over the last 3 years I have worked on many iPad projects. Some of the first large 1:1 iPad ownership projects in UK and many more modest projects.
All of these projects lead me to believe that 1:1 iPad in school is the best model. However getting to that point is difficult you create that model is complex. I'll still work with 1:1 schools.
I've made some great friends and in most cases I am continuing to work with these 1:1 schools and new ones that want my help will get it.
Yesterday I went to the Sheffield's John Lewis store tomorrow to pick up my 8 iPad Minis. I'm going to model this.
I need 8 Schools and some help from you. this is isn't about ego, showboating, making a ton of cash.
I left Apple in 2007, a safe job, security, good earnings to go back to education. This project is not about ego or money making. I'm not interested in having loads of Twitter followers etc
Unlike these so called iPad Training and Consultancy companies charging £700 to £1000 a day, this has project integrity.
My time with the 8 schools on this free.
This is #8iPads!
cheers
@digitalroadtrip