Now, the iPad...well, it's like a big iPhone without the voice capability (though I'm sure there's an app for that). ;-) More importantly, our school has purchased iPads for use in the classroom. We are being strongly encouraged to incorporate them for use in our classroom. I've been able to use the interactive whiteboards (in my case, a Mimio) because it's basically using the pen instead of the mouse but still as a computer, projected on the whiteboard. The iPad, however, is different. I know it'll take me a learning curve to learn it, though it's amazing to see children use it so seamlessly. Nothing makes me feel more like a dinosaur than to see 3 year old children using iPads like the most natural thing in the world...while I struggle to figure out how to go back to a previous application!
The other reason I wanted to purchase my own iPad is so I can download my OWN apps. In order to maintain consistency, we are not allowed to download apps to the school iPads. However, the iPads are so much more powerful if we use them more than just a glorified web browser. However, I can't test out the apps I find before recommending them to school unless I have an iPad to try them out on. So I finally saved up enough money to buy my own iPad. (Thanks, Mom & Dad for the birthday gift! That helped take care of the balance of the iPad cost)! ;-)
I'm happily exploring the Apps store...something that should keep me occupied continuously for extended periods of time! However, if you have any suggestion of favorite apps, especially those that can be used in the classroom for teaching Mandarin Chinese (or for teaching world languages), please feel free to suggest them to me. I welcome app recommendations that have been pre-tested. :-) Thanks!