Digital Tablets in the Classroom: A Perspective from Students

Abstract

Technology has been increasingly incorporated into the classroom environment to enhance the teaching process. Although there is research on the effects and use within the classroom, there is currently a need to investigate ways in which digital tablets such as iPads could be utilized in the classroom by the perspective of students. This study involves a thematic analysis of student essays from the Boston Public School system to examine the perceived utility of digit tablets in the classroom as students respond to an essay prompt inquiring about the potential benefits of a hypothetical digital tablet integration initiative at their school.  Students report that digital tablets can be beneficial to teachers in three main areas, including through facilitating learning and communication (Student-Teacher Interactions), improved organization (Teacher Organization), and as a problem-solving tool for the wasting of paper and need for computers (Resolution of Teacher Dilemmas). These findings support the notion of continued professional development to implement and fully utilize digital tablet technology in the classroom.

Keywords: technology, classroom, education, iPads, digital tablets

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-15-02

Publication date:May 31^st 2020