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Journal #2 **Many US Schools Adding iPads Trimming Textbooks** It is amazing how technology has become such a strong part of student’s education. This article states that several high schools are getting rid of the hefty backpacks to give way for the electronic iPad tablet. There are high schools that are giving every student in their school this technological device with textbooks already downloaded onto the electronic notebook. It is reported that more than 600 districts are launching what they call their one-on-one program. Woodford County, Kentucky, will be giving all 1,250 of their students a new iPad for their use. They will be the first public high school to release the iPads to every student. The iPads are estimated to cost from $500.00 to $600.00 dollars each but they feel that it is a better long-term investment than the textbooks are. Textbooks are outdated by the time they are printed and more so by the time that they are shipped out to the schools the article goes on to reveal. It is believed that the iPad will give the students a chance to use much more relevant materials with calculators, dictionaries and other accessories so readily available. Though this is an exciting new idea, the author reveals that it does not come without some issues. One issue is, can the districts support the wireless infrastructure, repairs and other charges that come with switching to such a high-tech approach. He continues that even with this most modern device the students will still require a strong curriculum and skilled teachers because learning is not the device. One student believes that everyone will enjoy having the chance to use the iPad in school because they use technology at home and then use the textbooks in school, now is a way to put it all together. The article goes on to say that the districts have to be careful about monitoring the students use on the iPads. Many of the districts have filtering programs to keep students from accessing websites that have not been approved. I feel that the iPads are a wonderful source for students to have in their possession. This device has several other sources included for the students’ use that a regular textbook does not offer such as a calculator and a dictionary. The iPad also has immediate access to the internet for research and other accessories at their touch. With such technology the students have the tutorial sites as well as other helpful strategies at their fingertips. There is still a vital need for a teacher to make sure that the information that the students are learning correlates with the state’s standard course of study. These students need to continue to learn what is required of them to complete the goals and objectives that the state mandates. Yes, technology is a great part of the 21st century classroom however they cannot and should not replace the classroom teacher. I wondered what would be done when some of the students care for the device will not be as superior as others and who will be responsible for its replacement? A classroom textbook does have a better chance of lasting for years versus this device could be destroyed with a single drop. iPads are popular and nice to have but, will they be cared for well enough to use year after year? Probably not. ** Reference ** http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2011/09/03/452412usclassroomipads_ap.html