Just a few years back, the desks of Room 2305 would have been covered with pencils and paper. Now, the neat desks are topped with only one item: iPads, reflecting the future blend of education and technology.

World History teacher Angela King is one of many teachers that have incorporated the usage of iPads during classroom learning.

“I try to integrate the iPads in everyday class work,” King said. “My students have them out and are allowed to explore several organizational applications and creative editing programs.”

Recently, King assigned her fourth period World History students an in-class project about the Crusades.

“We’re going to change things up today,” King said. “Typically, you’re given a worksheet to do and work on your own, but today, we’re going to work together and create something awesome using the iPads.”

Instead of the traditional classroom practice of listening to lectures and note- taking, King provided her class with a different proposition.

“I’m going to divide you into several groups, each with different jobs,” King said. “You can use your iPads to create blogs, podcasts, videos, cartoons and interviews relating to the Crusades. Use your strengths and interests to add a personal touch.”

Once these several groups finish their mini-projects, the products will be edited into a digital newspaper.

“The Crusades project is going to be interesting, mostly because we get to use and experience technology with the iPad,” sophomore Josh Oestreicher said.

For some students, using iPads has shed light on new opportunities.

“iPads have had a positive impact on our learning. It benefits the students and the teachers,” Josh said. “We get more out of the lesson, and everyone’s having a positive attitude towards the iPads.”

King’s students started to see the benefits that iPads bring.

“When you have to use textbooks, they weigh a ton,” sophomore Jauss Egberts said. “Not only that, but you’re not allowed to write in them, so you have to constantly keep several pages of paper at hand. With iPads, they’re yours to personalize and are extremely convenient and easy to use.”

However, not all students have the same opinion about iPads.

“Although I do find the iPads convenient, I don’t like using it as a notebook,” sophomore Sarah Pavlik said. “I prefer using paper to take notes.”

Sophomore David Jara shares a similar view.

“It can be tempting to play games on the iPad,” David said. “Also, what if the network goes off? That could disrupt the classroom activity.”

From a teacher’s perspective, using iPads can provide a brand new experience.

“For someone who didn’t grow up with technology usage in the classroom, it’s pretty cool to have all of this information in the palm of your hands,” King said. “The iPads are a really great asset in class.”

Technology-based education is inevitably becoming a reality.

“My students need to know how to search for information and become problem solvers. Right now, using technology is the world we’re living in,” King said. “I think using iPads during school will give them the twenty-first century skills they’re going to need when they graduate from high school.”