iPad 2 and Education

[Sam Gliksman]

It's faster, has front and rear cameras, HDMI output, iMovie, GarageBand and more... Does the release of the new iPad 2 do enough to address the needs of the education market? Add your opinions below.

[Linda Marie De Zago]

Wow. Thanks!

[Lenva Shearing]

2 things I absolutely need - Flash, and being able to edit Google Sites.

I know it doesn't have flash, but does anyone know if GSites can be edited on the iPad2.

[Jim]

Linda,

I maintain a list of more than 160 ipad pilots in Higher ed-see http://ipadpilots.k12cloudlearning.com/higher-ed, several medical and nursing examples on the list

Linda Marie De Zago said:

Are there any educators here on this forum that utilize the iPad in higher education? Nursing or medicine?

Thanks.

 

Linda

[Jim]

Still needed--easier K12 friendly management.

More improvements to the Volume Purchase program (worldwide, ibooks, transfer of purchases, linking of purchasing accounts, support for redeeming in app purchases)

Multiple user accounts

Levels of accounts (ability upgrade apps without the itunes password)

Over the air OS upgrades/patches

 

From vendors

Better support from K12 textbook vendors (HTML 5, not apps please)

A K12 friendly offering from dropbox

 

[Linda Marie De Zago]

I am sitting in a meeting at the University right now and I am learning that there are a couple of apps that will enable Apple products to run flash. I'll post when I learn which ones they are.

Jean-Yves Duguay said:

Does someone can explain to me why the iPad can't play flash?

[Sam Gliksman]

There are only two ways that I know of to run flash on the iPad. The Skyfire web browser runs "flash video" - not flash content (and won't run all flash video either). The other way is to use a virtual connection to a laptop or desktop and run the flash content on the remote computer while watching it on the iPad - a pretty lengthy and cumbersome way that produces mediocre results at best.


Linda Marie De Zago said:

I am sitting in a meeting at the University right now and I am learning that there are a couple of apps that will enable Apple products to run flash. I'll post when I learn which ones they are.

Jean-Yves Duguay said:

Does someone can explain to me why the iPad can't play flash?

[Drew]

Yep, cloud based storage is the way to go on an iPad.  dropbox, ebackpack etc.

Sam Gliksman said:

David, have you tried using a cloud-based file storage system like DropBox? I find it indispensable - both on the iPad and elsewhere.

David Cox said:

I won't give up my iPad, but the lack of Flash and a real file system are still serious classroom hurdles.

[Linda Marie De Zago]

Hi everyone,

These are the links I learned about on Friday. Sam - I don't have an iPad (yet). What exactly happens when you try and use Skyfire to run flash? Is it understandable at all? Will someone here try the second one and let us know how it works for you? Thanks!

 

This is a browser for ipad that plays flash: 

http://www.skyfire.com/product/ipad

 

Here is another link: 

http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-install-flash-on-your-ipad-complet...

Sam Gliksman said:

There are only two ways that I know of to run flash on the iPad. The Skyfire web browser runs "flash video" - not flash content (and won't run all flash video either). The other way is to use a virtual connection to a laptop or desktop and run the flash content on the remote computer while watching it on the iPad - a pretty lengthy and cumbersome way that produces mediocre results at best.

[Linda Marie De Zago]

Has this group read "What Apple hopes you didn't notice about iPad 2" By Chris Taylor, Special to CNN
March 3, 2011 11:26 a.m. EST | Filed under: Gaming & Gadgets?

 

I am attaching the link and wonder what y'all think of this author's commenary.

 

http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/gaming.gadgets/03/03/missing.from.ipad...# 

[Jessica Vincent Allen]

Hi Sam and Jonathan!  Really liked your thoughtful insight into the top three reasons why iPad2 is better for education.  As a school running a very small pilot program, I was really pleased to read your comment below. Thanks for reminding us to go cautiously as there are still many bumps ahead in the road. In particular, I appreciated your comment about those of us who are overseas who do not have access yet to the bulk pricing option.  I am hoping that apple will address this problem soon so we can plan an even bigger roll out next year at my school.  Does anyone know of any plans to take this international?

 

Thanks!

Jessica

Jonathan Nalder said:

What does the iPad not have yet for education? As mentioned above, the iPad is a consumer device – its not been designed with the needs of education in mind specifically. So we still need a good system for managing and syncing more than a few iPads. We also need clarity around education use off apps and iTunes content. The hope is that the app volume licensing program available in the US will be extended overseas and enhanced with provision for iBooks and music/movies as well as apps. For Mac users, the next version of the Mac OS (due in around 6 months) will reportedly include iOS device management built in. Until then, proceed with caution; join an online iPad in education community, and create a good learning/management plan as always!

 

[Sam Gliksman]

Skyfire is the browser I mentioned - plays some flash video but no other type of flash content. Not really a solution.

The second link involves jail breaking your iPad - risky and not guaranteed to work. You also risk losing content. Not really recommended.

Linda Marie De Zago said:

Hi everyone,

These are the links I learned about on Friday. Sam - I don't have an iPad (yet). What exactly happens when you try and use Skyfire to run flash? Is it understandable at all? Will someone here try the second one and let us know how it works for you? Thanks!

 

This is a browser for ipad that plays flash: 

http://www.skyfire.com/product/ipad

 

Here is another link: 

http://www.redmondpie.com/how-to-install-flash-on-your-ipad-complet...

Sam Gliksman said:

There are only two ways that I know of to run flash on the iPad. The Skyfire web browser runs "flash video" - not flash content (and won't run all flash video either). The other way is to use a virtual connection to a laptop or desktop and run the flash content on the remote computer while watching it on the iPad - a pretty lengthy and cumbersome way that produces mediocre results at best.

[Jonathan Nalder]

Hi Jessica - love to hear more about how you go - starting small works for a lot of people. And when volume licensing goes international..., well then expanding will be alot easier.

Jessica Allen said:

Hi Sam and Jonathan!  Really liked your thoughtful insight into the top three reasons why iPad2 is better for education.  As a school running a very small pilot program, I was really pleased to read your comment below. Thanks for reminding us to go cautiously as there are still many bumps ahead in the road. In particular, I appreciated your comment about those of us who are overseas who do not have access yet to the bulk pricing option.  I am hoping that apple will address this problem soon so we can plan an even bigger roll out next year at my school.  Does anyone know of any plans to take this international?

 

Thanks!

Jessica

Jonathan Nalder said:

What does the iPad not have yet for education? As mentioned above, the iPad is a consumer device – its not been designed with the needs of education in mind specifically. So we still need a good system for managing and syncing more than a few iPads. We also need clarity around education use off apps and iTunes content. The hope is that the app volume licensing program available in the US will be extended overseas and enhanced with provision for iBooks and music/movies as well as apps. For Mac users, the next version of the Mac OS (due in around 6 months) will reportedly include iOS device management built in. Until then, proceed with caution; join an online iPad in education community, and create a good learning/management plan as always!