--- Forwarded Message from 15.5 ---

From: Daniel Nickolai <[log in to unmask]>
Date: Tue, 2 Nov 2010 08:46:18 -0500
Subject: Re: #9501.1iPad Use in Language Centers
To: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum <[log in to unmask]>

Dear John,

We've been piloting this idea with iPod Touch devices the past two
semesters. Because our lab facilities are in such high demand by our large
language program, we needed an alternative solution to create a mobile lab.
As we learned years ago, the laptops in the cart solution did not work out
as envisioned. To say it was unwieldy would be far too kind. When the iPod
Touch was released, it was the perfect solution for our needs for the
following reasons:

1) Highly portable (21 units fit in one camera bag)
2) Easy to update and sync (http://www.paratsolutions.com/parasync.html)
3) Can be loaded with both digitized audio / video textbook supplements (as
approved by publishers)
4) Features Wifi, and a full-fledged browser (sans Flash)
5) Our units can record student audio (new units do video as well)
6) A multitude of Apps with the language student in mind
7) At $229/unit, it is the fraction of the cost of a laptop

There are other advantages as well, including good battery life and
instant-on access. We've had almost no issues with the devices, which we
check out to an instructor for a one-hour period. I know the question was
about iPad devices, but I thought our experiences would be relevant to the
topic.

There was a presentation on an iPad pilot at the most recent NWALLT/SWALLT
joint conference. The presenter noted that there were some hurdles with
multitasking, using certain Quia modules, and the overall iPad friendliness
of e-textbooks. I'd be glad to hear if anyone else is using iOS devices at
their institution how they are being implemented.

Overall, we are fairly happen with our ultra-mobile mini-lab.

Dan Nickolai
Director of the Language Learning Center
Department of Modern and Classical Languages
Saint Louis University
(314) 977-3644

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