Chattahoochee Tech to expand iPad program

(Media release) Technology in the classroom isn't new, but the use of the Apple iPad is a relatively innovative program at many colleges. For a few Chattahoochee Technical College students, the small device is proving invaluable in their educational experience. Now more students will get that chance as the program expands this January.

"This launch of the iPad is an extension of CTC's continued innovation in technology application in the classroom," said Trina Boetler, vice-president of academic affairs. "Originally, Dr. Sanford Chandler [CTC's president] asked the Executive Council to come up with innovative ways to utilize technology throughout the college. Members started talking about electronic books, which just evolved into the use of iPads."

Over the summer, 15 students in a literature class at the college's North Metro campus in Acworth began using the devices instead of purchasing numerous paperback books to read the works of Hawthorne, Melville and others. But according to the class instructor and humanities department chair, Jason Tanner, the introduction of the iPad into the classroom did more than just save students money on books.

"We used the iPads as a textbook, first and foremost," said Tanner. "The literature for the class was used as downloads on the device through Angel, links to the Internet to pull full text and downloaded texts from iBooks. It was a place to play audio versions for students to better comprehend. Having the literature at their fingertips was great. They had to readjust their ways of thinking about books."

Through the pilot program, students are provided with an iPad for the quarter. Next quarter the program will be expanded to two classes – one on the Marietta campus and the other at the Acworth campus. That means about 40 students will have access to the technology in the program.

Unlike similar programs at other colleges in the region, CTC's program reaches out to nontraditional students, as the average age of students this fall quarter is 28. Age wasn't a factor in the students' enthusiasm for the technology and the program.

"Students love technology and gadgets, whether those students are 16 or 60," he explained. "They were hooked on day one. I think it proved to them that we cared deeply about how they learn, not just what they learn. I think the economic commitment mattered to them. I know the trust we put in each of them to keep and maintain (and turn in) an iPad got us a lot of credibility with the students."

The 15 students in the first iPad enhanced class had already completed English 1101 and 1102 before signing up for the section of American literature. That meant they had been at CTC for at least two terms and shown academic progress by passing both of the freshman composition classes. It also meant the students were familiar with Angel, CTC e-mail and other programs and applications necessary for the class."

Funded by CTC, the school received its shipments of the device only two months after they had been on the market. Students began using them in July in what Tanner described as a successful experience.

"There were some very tech savvy students who worked through some of the limitations, but most found ways to use the device in their other classes and personal lives," he said. "I think part of that is that we went in small and thought small. We didn't attempt something too large with brand new technology."

Students in the class were asked to consider different possibilities for using the iPad in the classroom. Tanner said he was surprised by some of the responses. Even science classes have been mentioned as a possible home for the iPad technology.

"We will have one more pilot term to gauge the usage and any potential problems," said Boetler. "At that point, we will look into electronic resources available through the iPad on a program-by-program basis to see which areas may be pursued."

For more information on programs at Chattahoochee Technical College, call 770-528-4545 or visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu.