This isn't really an iPad; it's a "device for school."

Thomas Philip and Antero Garcia's harsh criticism of what they call LA school district's "iFiasco" points out that the $1 billion spent on putting an iPad in the hands of each student would have been better spent on teachers. Their point is that technology alone will not resolve social inequalities, nor will it lead to productive learning because the true value of digital technologies is "tied to students' freedom to explore as learners and the professional expertise and flexibility of teachers as guides." When the school district put restrictions on the devices, they took away creative, exploratory, autonomous learning opportunities, and, now that students have hacked the system, the focus is turning to how to better control students, not how to promote better learning and teaching.

It's an interesting and important topic--we'd love to hear your thoughts!

http://dmlcentral.net/blog/thomas-m-philip-and-antero-garcia/ifiasco-las-schools-why-technology-alone-never-answer

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