Back in 2007 when I started Burst I was looking around for a tool that I could use in workshops that had multimedia capabilities and that could engage 21 – 25 year olds (i.e. graduates who make up the majority of my learners).  The iPod Touch fit the criteria almost perfectly.  I bought a set and started using them in my workshops.  They were fantastic.

Fast forward to 2010 and the iPad, with it’s bigger screen was the ideal device.  I now have a set of iPads I use in all my workshops, not just with graduates.

This is how I use them…  

I load each of them up pre workshop with a tailored set of videos, music, podcasts, articles, websites, pictures, cartoons, books, etc.  All the material is relevant to the topics in the workshop.  At a particular point in the workshop (usually straight after lunch) I get everyone to grab an iPad each and a set of headphones and give them 30 -45 mins to explore the content. They can choose whatever they want to read, listen, watch.  I then debrief them on what they have learnt.

To me the key points from this are:

• Style of Learning – learners get to choose what style they prefer to learn in.  Some read the whole time, some watch video clips, some chill out and listen to music, others mix and match.
  
• Exploration – learners get to explore content how they want.  There is an element of discovery and self-directed learning, even if it is limited to what I choose to put on the iPad.
  
• Ease of use –  learners just touch stuff and it works.
  
• Learn from anything – it broadens learners understanding of where learning can come from.  Images, video clips, newspaper articles…. not just in a classroom.

I am always exploring new ways to use the iPad.  Games, collaborative activities, feedback, more interactivity.  Now obviously this is a very workshop centric view of how to use an iPad, the mobile aspects are another exciting element which I’ll explore in future posts.

Overall I see the iPad and the iPhone/iPod Touch (or rather tablets and smartphones whoever makes them) being another important part of engaging learners and updating our learning methods to match what is happening in society.

How are you using these technologies?

Any stories you’ve heard about interesting uses and their effectiveness?