There are a number of "headline" things that we have learnt in this first year and that we shall look to apply as the programme both carries on and develops - we have managed to secure funding for both the primary (PGCE) and an undergraduate course as well.
1. Limit the apps.
Start off with very few apps - somethings for writing, presenting and capture and then develop the apps as and when they are needed. We will have a very small set this coming year (Pages, Keynote, Numbers, Safari and probably only Evernote, iMovie, Explain Everything and Creative Book Builder for creation.
2. Focus on the affordances
It is important to remember (and to reinforce) that the tablet is NOT a replacement for the desktop or the laptop - it will fail in this respect. So focus on the read affordances of the tablet which are battery life, mobility, lightness, "always on", applications (as they are needed), data capture.
3. Keep a clear focus
As well as the limited apps we will look to get each group (lead by their tutor) to focus on a project on which they will use the device. This could be changing assessment, class interactivity, data capture, making eBooks or other things - but this will allow for focussed PD for both staff and students.
4. Professional Development
Focus on the development as and when it is needed - for both the staff and the students - and make it little but often or as needed. Drop in sessions are OK but sometimes you need to go to the student and ask, "what do you need now!".
So, if you are starting off - then have fun and please do get in touch - we are really keen to talk to other who are using iPads (or other tablets) in teacher education or other HEI areas.
