Behrman House Blog

     When the first iPad came out in April 2010, it was marketed as a textbook/classroom tool for students. Almost a year later, however, it has not taken off in the classroom in the ways that Apple had planned. The launch of the iPad 2 this past weekend again restores those hopes with several new features and additions which hope to reignite those promises of revolutionizing the classroom. Let’s take a look at two new features and how they might benefit the classroom.
     The most obvious addition to the new iPad 2 is the inclusion of two cameras on the device. One is on the front to enable video conferencing such as Skype right on the larger screen. (Be sure to review my earlier article about the benefits of Skype for your program and for helpful hints about why this is important). Keep in mind that the iPad 2 only allows for Skyping with 1 other person at this time, so you cannot take advantage of Skype’s multiple party calling yet on an iPad 2. This kind of video conferencing can enable you to take your class live to another part of the country, such as chatting with a teacher or guest in Israel or to show your class what it’s like at that very moment somewhere else in the world. This could also be helpful for supporting students who are not physically in your classroom but still wish to participate with the rest of the class.
     Another feature is actually an optional add on for the new iPad 2, called the Apple Digital AV Adapter. This special new adapter allows you to hook your iPad up to a larger screen, such as an HDTV or a projector. It then displays everything you are seeing on your iPad 2 on the big screen so your class can participate in your educational apps or take turns coming up to the iPad and demonstrating a lesson or game for the rest of the class. Remember to check out apps from Behrman House for your iphone, ipad or ipod touch, including iMahnishtanah, iShabbat, and coming very soon, iGragger