Research has shown that integrating iPads into the classroom has opened up new doors to the world of education. It has been argued that the iPad allows its users to complete tasks in a way which is simply not possible with a pencil and paper alone. With its 9-inch multi-touch interface, the iPad is capable of receiving signals from its user in a variety of forms, including tapping, sliding, pinching, flicking, and stretching. Also integrated with standard iPad hardware is an accelerometer which allows the device to measure movement and speed, the ability to connect to wireless networks, a GPS receiver, built-in microphone and speaker, and access to hundreds of thousands of "apps" that have been designed to serve a variety of purposes (Murray & Olcese, 2011).

 

The thoughtful hardware Apple designers incorporated into the iPad makes it a source for great potential to occur, especially in the field of education. While extensive research has been conducted on the design of the iPad itself, there has been far less exploration on the apps that accompany it. These apps are not developed by Apple creators, but by outside innovators. Any person with the appropriate software and knowledge of how to use it may create an app, regardless of their credentials or research in a given area. Further exploration on whether research supports the design of these apps will provide us with a clearer idea of the effectiveness of incorporating iPad technologies into the classroom.