Posted by Teaching with iPad
A collaboration between iPad educators Steve Lai (@sly111, Canada) and Richard Wells (@ipadwells, New Zealand)
Introduction
This article aims to support the thoughtful integration of iPads in teaching—not as a replacement for great teachers, but as a tool to amplify great teaching. The success of any technology in the classroom depends entirely on the mindset, creativity, and passion of the educator. In short, an iPad can never replace an effective teacher—but in the right hands, it can transform how students learn.
It’s been a pleasure to collaborate again with Richard Wells, despite the 19-hour time difference (which, when you think about it, is really just five in the other direction!). If you haven’t read our earlier article, The Habits and Philosophy of an Effective iPad Teacher, we encourage you to check it out. We hope this follow-up offers you concrete arguments and fresh insights for implementing iPads effectively in your own classroom.
Common Myths About iPads in Education — And the Truths Behind Them
Steve’s responses appear in blue, Richard’s in green.
Myth #1: “Who needs an iPad? My laptop can do everything I need in class!”
Truth (Steve):
Yes, laptops can run powerful programs, but they aren’t built for mobility. iPads enable teaching from anywhere in the room and double as cameras—features laptops can’t match. Most daily classroom tasks like browsing, writing, or presenting are easily handled on an iPad. While high-end tasks may still require a desktop or laptop occasionally, for most educators, an iPad can handle 90% of day-to-day needs.
Truth (Richard):
The camera is becoming the new pen. Students now take photos of whiteboards, signs, and notes instead of copying them down. They record videos instead of writing essays. As learning becomes more visual and mobile, the iPad’s capabilities far surpass those of the traditional laptop for many classroom tasks.
Myth #2: “Teachers won’t teach anymore—students will just play on iPads!”
Truth (Steve):
The iPad doesn’t replace the teacher; it frees the teacher to work more closely with students. Yes, games exist—but so do thousands of learning tools. It’s the teacher’s job to guide meaningful use. With proper structure, students are more likely to collaborate, reflect, and engage meaningfully with the content than simply play.
Truth (Richard):
Today’s learners have access to tools that enable self-directed learning. Educators must decide whether their role is to give answers or to design experiences that build autonomy. When implemented well, iPads increase reflection, discovery, and collaboration—not distraction.
Myth #3: “iPads don’t support Flash — so they’re useless for certain sites.”
Truth (Steve):
This used to be a problem—but not anymore. Most modern websites now use HTML5, which is fully supported on iPads. Rarely do I encounter a site that still depends on Flash. And when I do, I move on—because better, updated alternatives usually exist.
Truth (Richard):
Adobe has discontinued Flash on mobile. Future-proofing your teaching means avoiding Flash anyway. Students now guide us toward newer tools and platforms, often discovering better solutions than we might have found ourselves.
Myth #4: “Students won’t interact; iPads isolate them.”
Truth (Steve):
In my classroom, students collaborate remarkably well on iPad projects. Whether working in pairs or small groups, they share devices, teach each other, and are eager to showcase their work. Even in one-to-one environments, collaboration and peer feedback are strong.
Truth (Richard):
Active learning through iPads promotes teamwork. When students use these tools to create and explore, their communication increases—not decreases. iPads connect learning inside and outside the classroom, fostering more meaningful collaboration.
Myth #5: “There’s no USB drive — how do I save or share files?”
Truth (Steve):
USB drives are fading fast. Cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox are far more efficient and secure. Autosave features remove the fear of lost work, and tools like AirDrop make file transfers instantaneous and wireless.
Further Reading:
- Dropbox for Dummies
- AirDrop: iOS 7’s Most Important Feature for Teachers
Myth #6: “Printing from iPads is too difficult.”
Truth (Steve):
Most modern printers support AirPrint or WiFi connectivity, making iPad printing seamless. That said, printing is becoming less necessary. Digital work can be stored, shared, and assessed electronically—saving paper and time.
Truth (Richard):
Instead of printing, students can publish work through blogs or digital portfolios. This allows for peer and teacher feedback, and greater engagement. Paper still has its place—but not as a redundant step in a digital workflow.
Myth #7: “Apps are expensive.”
Truth (Steve):
Compared to traditional software, apps are incredibly affordable. Most cost less than a cup of coffee. Through word of mouth, reviews, and social media recommendations, teachers can focus their spending on the best tools for their classroom.
Truth (Richard):
Many high-quality learning tools are free. Let students research and experiment with apps as part of their digital literacy. Learning how to find great free tools is a life skill in itself.
Myth #8: “iPads are just for content consumption.”
Truth (Steve):
That may be true for passive users, but in the classroom, iPads shine as content creation tools. With apps like iMovie, GarageBand, Explain Everything, and Book Creator, students can create podcasts, videos, music, and digital stories that far exceed traditional outputs.
Truth (Richard):
Young people want to make things. iPads give them the tools to express learning in visual, interactive, and imaginative ways. From green-screen videos to building virtual worlds, students prefer creation over consumption.
Myth #9: “iPads are ideal for note-taking while I deliver lectures.”
Truth (Richard):
Learning isn’t something to be delivered. iPads empower students to personalize their learning experience. Instead of passively taking notes, students engage by building, documenting, and interacting with content in meaningful ways.
Myth #10: “No Microsoft Office? Then iPads are useless.”
Truth (Steve):
Office apps are now available for iPad—but editing requires a Microsoft 365 subscription. If you already subscribe, there’s no extra cost. Alternatively, Apple’s iWork suite (Pages, Keynote, Numbers) is free with new devices and fully compatible for most classroom needs.
Myth #11: “iPads are too complicated for younger students.”
Truth (Steve):
Not true. My elementary students use iPads with enthusiasm and creativity. With clear guidance, they quickly master the basics and often exceed expectations. Their digital confidence grows naturally, especially with apps that are age-appropriate and intuitive.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve read this far—thank you! We hope this article helps you reflect on how iPads can be a powerful addition to your teaching toolkit. But remember: technology alone doesn’t create great learning. It’s the teacher’s mindset, adaptability, and clarity of purpose that makes the real difference.
No tool will ever replace excellent pedagogy. But with passion, patience, and ongoing professional development, educators can turn iPads into creative engines that transform student engagement and expression.
If you found this article useful, share it with your colleagues. Let’s continue to build classrooms where technology is a tool for learning—not a replacement for it.