Sunday

Laptop or Tablet? Transitioning from MacBookPros to iPads (and the frustrations of using Google Classroom)

technology in the classroom


Laptop or Tablet? Transitioning from MacBookPros to iPads and the Frustrations of Using Google Classroom

For almost seven years my school was a 1:1 MacBookPro school. We loved the laptops, but the expense for repairs and replacing new ones for all students in grades 6-12 was becoming too costly.

MacBookPro laptops in the classroom
Students writing poems on MacBookPros.
Photo: ©Tracee Orman, 2011
Normally schools would upgrade from tablets to laptops. And here we were last spring being told we were going to downgrade from our MacBookPros to new iPads. Teachers would keep their laptops and have a new iPad; students would only have iPads (with the exception of our computer instructor, who has a lab of laptops for his classes).

Questions We Asked
Of course, we had a lot of questions, such as:

• How will our students type essays on an iPad?

• How will our students use websites that use Adobe Flash Player?

• Will our students be able to make movies using iMovie?

• Where will students store all of their Pages files, Keynote presentations, and other documents?

• Will they be able to back up files onto a flash drive?

• Will all of our online lessons, quizzes, and tests open on their iPads?

• How will we monitor their use?

• Will students be able to print?

• How many apps can we get? How will the students get those apps on their devices?

and so on...

Google Classroom Launch & {FAIL}
We had already been using Google for Educators for several years. Our students all have Gmail accounts, which comes with a Google Docs/Drive account and unlimited storage. So one of the deciding factors for our administration was the launch of Google Apps for Education (GAFE), which includes Google Classroom. They *hoped* it would make it easier for students and teachers to exchange digital files, collaborate, and communicate. We were assured that Google Classroom would work seamlessly with the iPads. And last Spring, it seemed to be working just fine.

Google Classroom Teacher's Page - www.traceeorman.com
Sample Google Classroom stream of announcements
and assignments from www.traceeorman.com.

Well, it hasn't been as easy as promised. Hardly any of my students could watch an introduction video I linked from YouTube, nor could they open documents I attached and assigned. Google Classroom is still working out kinks, but it's getting a little better. At the beginning of the school year at least half of my students could not access anything from Google Classroom. Now, I have about five or six students who continue to have the problem. It's better, but still frustrating. This means I have to share content with them in alternative ways, including having a print source.

Google error message in Google Classroom, GAFE
Error message when students try to access files in Google Apps.

Docs is Back...But Drive Is Still Here?
In addition to the Classroom problems, Google's relaunch of "Docs" while maintaining "Drive" is causing much confusion with students. One feature Docs now offers is the ability to work on items offline. We are not sure if this feature is the root of the problem or not for our students, but we know there are several who will try to locate their documents and they will not show up. Sometimes they appear when they click out of the app and go back on, but when they try to share it via Classroom, *poof* all their documents disappear again. Again, we were told Google is working on fixing the kinks.
Using iPads for Video Parody Project
Students use iPads for a video parody project.
Photo: ©Tracee Orman, 2015

One of the biggest frustrations as an English teacher is the lack of features in Google Docs. Students are unable to add a header or footer in the iPad app (either I have to provide them with a template--which defeats the purpose of them learning how to format a paper themselves--or they have to find a laptop to create the document on first). So much for assessing them on how to create an MLA-formatted document!

The Pages app is much better for typing papers, but it is glitchy and does not work well with Google Docs and Classroom on the iPads.

So Which Is Better: Laptops or Tablets?
Having laptops also had its fair share of frustrations. Those problems have not gone away with the introduction of iPads. For example, these continue to be a challenge:

• Students play games instead of staying on task.

• Students communicate answers from tests via screenshots, messaging, or logging into a friend's account and taking the test/quiz for him/her.

• Students are easily distracted with social media and constant notifications.

• The internet is never fast enough.

• Printing from the device is not always reliable.

• Students are impatient with the devices and easily frustrated when they do not work properly.

We have only had the iPads since August and we had our laptops for almost seven years, so it's hard for me to recommend one over the other at this point. I see a lot of potential with the iPads and have really been impressed with some of the apps our district has purchased. 


Favorite Apps, Coming Soon
I plan to post a series of articles featuring some of these apps and what they can do. (Surprise: one is even about GAFE and Google Classroom.) Check back for my posts, which will be tagged with this image:
iPad Apps - Favorites



Is It Worth It?
Is technology even worth it? The Wall Street Journal reported on this topic recently, citing a study that disproves using technology increases scores in math and reading.

That said, we still need to prepare our students for an ever-changing world in technology, so, YES, I think it's worth it. But it's important to use technology in moderation; going 100% paperless isn't realistic.

There are times when students need to write with paper and pencil.

There are times students should read from a book.

There are times when your students need face-to-face interaction with one another.

And there are times when your device will fail for one or more students in your class and you better have a paper back-up ready!

43 comments:

  1. I like this website it's a master piece! Glad I found this on google. ipad mockup

    ReplyDelete
  2. Interesting read , I am going to spend more time learning about this subject device mockups

    ReplyDelete
  3. I definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. blackmart alpha doesnt work

    ReplyDelete
  4. I really loved reading your blog. It was very well authored and easy to understand. Unlike other blogs I have read which are really not that good.Thanks alot! https://europa-road.eu/hu/gepszallitas-nagykanizsa.php

    ReplyDelete
  5. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  6. These more up to date scratch pad are able to do OK goals and it is insightful to require some investment and experience them.Best 11 inch laptop computer

    ReplyDelete
  7. A PC SODIMM is the shorthand term for PC Small Outline Dual Inline Memory Module. A serious piece wouldn't you think? Luckily, a SODIMM is fairly little and is the name given to the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) on which current PC memory is sold. Brighter Guide homepage

    ReplyDelete
  8. My parents want me to buy a laptop, but my inclination is towards the tablet. After reading your detailed review about laptops and tablets, I realized that should buy a laptop while respecting my parents' wishes, because that would be fine for me. Research Paper Writing Services

    ReplyDelete
  9. Just admiring your work and wondering how you managed this blog so well. It’s so remarkable that I can't afford to not go through this valuable information whenever I surf the internet! MacBook pro

    ReplyDelete
  10. The absolute freshest PC models even component two designs cards in SLI arrangement for extreme illustrations execution!
    Europa-Road fuvarozás

    ReplyDelete
  11. The hardware will influence how well the laptop performs when running software programs. laptop computers

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. Asus FX502VM as73 gaming laptop review

    ReplyDelete
  13. Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! leather crossbody laptop bag

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello there! I've been following your site for quite a while now lastly advanced the fortitude to go beyond and give you a yell out from Humble Texas! Simply needed to disclose to you keep up the incredible work!

    bolts and nuts

    ReplyDelete
  15. hey there and thank you for your info – I have definitely picked up anything new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical points using this website, as I experienced to reload the website lots of times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK? Not that I'm complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will often affect your placement in google and can damage your quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my email and can look out for much more of your respective interesting content. Ensure that you update this again very soon..personalised notebooks

    ReplyDelete
  16. The size of the screen is going to directly affect the size of the laptop, so this question is important. If you are buying this laptop to edit photos, create videos, play games or watch movies and television then you'll likely want a large screen. migliori portatili università

    ReplyDelete
  17. Your blog is one of a kind, i love the way you organize the topics. posicionamiento

    ReplyDelete
  18. Our Company provides you with the highest quality computer support for desktop, laptop, and notebook computers and offers a wide variety of services for both residential and business customers as well as remote support.
    teach4pc

    ReplyDelete
  19. Telephones play loads more of a horrible feature in our lives than we need to admit, however this text virtually allows! Thanks for sharing!! Will share as properly!Buy website traffic

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think this is an informative post and it is very useful and knowledgeable. therefore, I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article.Ctr bot

    ReplyDelete


  21. It can be most broadly defined as the entities, both material and immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value. Printer Repair helps you to solve your all printer issues quickly and at affordable prices.IT Support Durban

    ReplyDelete

  22. I read this article, it is really informative one. Your way of writing and making things clear is very impressive. Thanking you for such an informative article.IT Support Durban

    ReplyDelete
  23. It can be most broadly defined as the entities, both material and immaterial, created by the application of mental and physical effort in order to achieve some value. Printer Repair helps you to solve your all printer issues quickly and at affordable prices.how to rate an app

    ReplyDelete
  24. Improved appliance functionality. Smart homes can also help you run your appliances better. A smart TV will help you find better apps and channels to locate your favorite programming.How to rate an app

    ReplyDelete
  25. bubble dress are very nice girl dresses and i always ask my girlfriend to wear one. chrome vs microsoft edge

    ReplyDelete


  26. Great facts, information and more important reminders about the fact that life is happening all around us NOW, not in our phones. They play a lot more of a negative role in our lives than we wish to admit, but this article definitely helps! Thanks for sharing!! Will share as well!youtube converter mp4

    ReplyDelete
  27. the decorative accessories that i was able to find on ebay are of bargain price; hoekbank

    ReplyDelete
  28. Laptops are very important to have nowadays. In every field and every work, laptops are very essential and very important to have. If you are in student life then it is very important for you to have a laptop because every study material is available on the internet. Your laptop has very important to have because there are many solutions available on the internet. Nowadays you have the internet, it means you have everything in your hand because of the laptop. Now the question is which laptop is best for you and which laptop fills your demand. I recommend you to check Toshiba Satellite c55t Reviews. This laptop comes with lots of beneficial features for you.

    ReplyDelete
  29. It’s always good to see it from a different perspective My experience confirms that. I have to think about it some more. Can you expand on this? Startup Marketing Agency

    ReplyDelete
  30. That’s why so many science fiction stories use Greek and Roman names, stories and history. visit

    ReplyDelete
  31. Spot up with this write-up, I honestly believe this web site requirements additional consideration. I’ll probably be once more to study additional, many thanks that info. educationspike

    ReplyDelete
  32. wow, awesome blog.Thanks Again. Really Great. ข่าวกีฬา

    ReplyDelete
  33. i would always be a fan of Nip/Tuck, i was saddened about the episode when one of the doctors got breast cancer” cyber techyt

    ReplyDelete
  34. I surely didn’t know that. Learnt one thing new these days! Thanks for that. unique auto mag

    ReplyDelete
  35. Thanks for the article! Just browsing around online I get into some cool stuff. Anyways, back to school work… full body massage near me

    ReplyDelete
  36. Get familiar with Pets and Animals, Wildlife living on our planet, and there are amusing, most out of control, and invigorating Facts about creatures and Species from all our the world.
    visit petanimalwildlife.com!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Here's where you can find out more information on Volcanoes In The State Of Alaska. Come see more The Most Breathtaking Volcanoes In The State Of Alaska blog.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Artificial grass, also known as synthetic turf or fake grass, has gained significant popularity in recent years. It is a type of surface made from synthetic fibers that mimic the appearance and feel of natural grass. One of the key advantages of artificial grass is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike natural grass, it doesn't need to be mowed, watered, or fertilized regularly. This makes it an attractive option for homeowners and businesses looking to save time and money on lawn maintenance.artificial grass cost calculator

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks for the article! Just browsing around online I get into some cool stuff. Anyways, back to school work…Indian Divorce Lawyers VA

    ReplyDelete
  40. Artists, both amateur and professional, recognize the rotary tool as a means of unleashing their creativity. Its wide range of applications and attachments facilitate sculpting, carving, and detailing on materials like wood, clay, and even stone. This adaptability has resulted in intricate sculptures and art pieces that bear the mark of an artist's vision brought to life through the rotary tool's mechanical prowess.6-inch mini chainsaw

    ReplyDelete
  41. The emergence of peer-to-peer car rental platforms has added a new dimension to the industry. Individuals can now rent out their own vehicles to travelers, providing a more personalized and local experience. This model not only benefits car owners financially but also offers travelers a chance to connect with locals and gain insider insights.makina me qera

    ReplyDelete
  42. Thanks so much for sharing this awesome info about the technology classes and importance in high school! I am looking forward to see more posts by you!
    tj maxx credit card bill pay

    ReplyDelete

Similar Posts

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Total Pageviews