Student Discussion Post 1

Now that we have two weeks of school behind us, and we have been using the iPads daily, reflect on your class experience. Your comment needs to be a minimum of 7-10 sentences (more is welcome!) and be a thorough reflection of you experiences. Remember, the focus of the class is not on the iPad, it is on you using a mobile learning device to take the class paperless--no textbooks. You can include any thing from the learning of how to use the iPad in class to using it now everyday; use in other classes; your first thoughts on the class using iPads and going paperless; and your feelings toward the class now compared to the beginning.

Comments:

McDuffey, Aug 27, 2011

When I first received the note attached to my schedule that I would be participating in a paperless version of applied physical science I was really excited. Then I went to the summer meeting about the class and then realized that this may be more difficult than I had first thought. When the class first started we had a good amount of problems getting the iPad to work correctly. We still have some technical issues but thankfully we have Mr. Brown to help with those. Now that everyone is getting used to the iPads it is becoming simpler to so things in class and it is really nice to not have to lug around a textbook. Another good thing about being paperless is that it is much harder to lose assignments and you don't have to worry about them falling out of a binder. I am glad that I am receiving this experience because I feel that it will help prepare us for college. I haven't really used my iPad much in other classes because we don't have Internet throughout the school and because some teachers feel it could be distracting, but it can be very useful when completing homework.

Littlefield, Aug 29, 2011

When I found out about that were going to be using iPad this year was pure joy. I have never been very good at keeping up with my papers so just having them all on a iPad is very convenient. And I really like having the homework on twitter so if I forget to write the hw down in my planner I can just go to that which is wonderful. It took a little bit but I think that I have gotten the hang off the iPad now, I think the rest of the class has to. I haven't tried using the iPad in different classes because guess some of my teachers are a little old school so I've only really used it in science. Today was a little weird cause I guess the Internet was slow and flipping through each page and getting the right info. on to my graph took a little longer than it needed to, but besides that I have loved using the iPad.

Askins, Aug 29, 2011

When I was first asked to be in the iPad class, I was very excited. All I could think about was taking no handwritten notes. Then, the first meeting came and I begun to feel discouraged and started getting nervous because of all the rules and guidelines we had to follow. Then the class started and it was great. At first, getting to understand all of the apps was confusing and directions were hard, but as more days came, it got easier. I use this in a lot of my other classes too, it is a great planner for me to write all my homework in, and also very easy to take notes with. My feelings and thoughts about the class now are much more positive. This is such a great learning device.

Grice, Aug 29, 2011

Using the ipads in class is a lot of fun. It really helps lighten my backpack because its so much lighter to carry than a binder and textbook. When I first found out we were using them in class I was really excited. It was a little difficult to get started in the beginning of the year and have everyone on the same page. Now that we're a couple weeks into school, we still do the same amount of work as in my other classes. It also feels like we're getting a lot of stuff done. So far, the ipads are a great learning tool.

Huie , Aug 30, 2011

I'm really excited about learning with iPads. It makes my backpack lighter without having to carry textbook and an extra binder. At the beginning I wasn't sure how it would workout but now I'm pretty confident that it is going to work out great, and I think it is going to make learning a little more fun rather than reading out of a textbook. I'm so glad I decided to accept and do the iPad class.

Britt, Aug 30, 2011

I think going paperless with the iPads is great, but it can be kind of dificult and crazy at times. For example, organization gets kind of hectic when I don't know how to use a certain app, plus homework takes longer when I'm doing written assignments. I also get kind of stressed when an app or something online doesn't work and i have to ask a bunch a classmates or Mrs. Hawthorne what to do. On the plus side, I love not having to take a binder, textbook, pencils and pens, etc. to class everyday. If the entire school went paperless then we wouldn't need to spend so much money on supplies plus we wouldn't need to carry heavy backpacks back and forth everyday. I was definitely excited in the beginning when I heard about the iPads and I couldn't wait to see what we would do and I still feel that way. I love that I have this opportunity and I think it will benefit me as well as the school.

Hornsby, Aug 30, 2011

At first i was excited but also kind of worried about the pace we would be going. Im not the most technical person and has always been a struggle for me. This class presents alot of challenges in that regard but is not something that I don't think i can handle. It's a new learning experiance and I am just taking it one day at a time. Having no books to carry around reduces alot of stress at school and at home. I continue to be amazed at all of the ipads capabilities everyday. I think all in all this is a better way to learn.

Abele, Aug 30, 2011

When I first heard that we were using iPads in the class room, I thought we would use them everyday or so. I was wrong! I think using the iPad is great because we do not use any paper, that means no dead trees. Although many of the apps still confuse the mess out of me. I think I got the basics down so I can make learning on the iPad easier. The iPad is a fantastic way of learning because this is how our generation learns, with computers/electronics. My whole attitude toward the iPads has changed completely. I hope many other classes can be able to use this great learning tool!

Romero, Aug 30, 2011

When we first started using the iPads it was definitely difficult to get Evernote and all the apps we used set up. However now that we have almost everything set up it is going along quite smoothly. The iPad is useful when I'm doing Spanish, Math, English, and even Social Studies. Everything I need is either in the app store or on the internet! When using the iPads in class I think it helps keep everything more organized and makes it easier to understand when due dates are. The iPad helps me plan when I need to due my homework or study. Evernote makes it easy to turn in assignments without a hassle. I love the idea that the iPad can be used as a mobile learning device! I think that the "Paperless" class is a brilliant idea and can hopefully be tuned to perfection from the mistakes our class makes.

Yeilding, Aug 30, 2011

When I first found out that I was put in the paperless class I was very excited! I went to the summer meeting and as Mrs. Hawthorne and Mr. Brown were telling us about it I got kind of nervous. I was nervous because of two reasons. One, I have to keep up with and not break this IPad that holds all of my work for the whole year and in one press of a button it could be gone. The second reason is that once they told us about all of the apps we were using I felt like I would fall behind the other students. Don't get me wrong, I was excited from the beginning! When I got my iPad on the second day of school I was so pumped and could not wait to start using it... And brag to all of my friends! Since we've started using the iPads I think that it is going to be easy most of the time, but stressful at some points. I love the iPad because it is very convenient to have everything in one place! Also, I like not having to look through a textbook and carry it around everywhere.

DeBardeleben , Aug 30, 2011

Using our iPads during class has been so much fun! I love how all of our work is organized into files and we dont have to worry about writing notes or even bringing a textbook! The paperless classroom has been working out very well! When I was told we were using iPads for science class I was a little nervous. I was worried about learning how to use them and how we were going to send our work in. But so far it has gone pretty smooth. Using our iPads in other classes has helped a lot also. I like how we are able to type our notes and papers during class instead of always having to write everything. The paperless classroom is going great!!

Thomas, Aug 30, 2011

When my mom first told me about how she got a note saying I was in an iPad class I was really excited! When I walked into class the first day i knew this was going to be a very good learning device. It's really easy to operate and fun to have. I will admit though it is a little hard to take notes and that sort of thing and it's kinda nerve racking knowing if you lose the iPad it's $700.00. Otherwise I think this is great because it helps us in the future by using this technology and it's really light. In the beginning it was a little difficult but now I'm starting to get the hang on Evernote and note taker and I feel like things are getting done just like my other classes. I also think this is great for other classes and I don't have to carry around a binder for this class. Being paperless is really easy and I think this is a great learning device.

Childers, Aug 30, 2011

The idea of a paperless classroom is very productive in the fact that the student does not have to carry a binder and a textbook. Though carrying a textbook to and from class everyday is a hassle, for me, it is not best part about having an iPad. The organization provided by the device is extremely helpful during a busy day of school. Having all of your assignments on one universal device gives the student the convenience of not having to keep up with paperwork. Using an iPad takes a little getting used to, but is well worth it.

Capps, Aug 30, 2011

Using the ipad 2 for applied physical science is awesome! It is way more interesting to look and interact with an Ipad 2 than a old out dated textbook. You do not have to carry around a binder, textbook, and pencils everyday to class. It is lighter and leaves more room in your backpack since it is usually full every night. Technology is important because our generation has grown up around cell phones, computers, and other advancements. It will also prepare us for years to come either in college when we will be using this type of technology to do our school work, or when we are much older and using it for our jobs. Every now and them we will have technical difficulties but nothing to much that would hold us back from getting work done. I anticipate a great year with these Ipads and cant wait to see the results after the year. Hopefully our school and other schools will start using them for more and more classes as the years pass by.

Trott, Aug 30, 2011

When I was first told about having a paperless class, I honestly thought that it would be close to impossible. Given all the technologies we have today, such as the iPad 2, has made this a lot easier. All of the apps on the iPad are very helpful and with some training easy to use. Having all of our stuff in one place is very convenient and well worth the occasional technical difficulty! Having the iPad allows us to take notes, perform labs, and many other things. I love having the iPad 2, and hopefully in the future we will be able to use them for every class.

Stinson, Aug 30, 2011

I was very surprised to learn that I was a part of this experiment, because registered late. Now sence we have gone paperless for two weeks I dont want to go back. Paperless is so much more organized and easy to keep up with. I know it is hard for me to keep up with papers or get to my locker to get books, but with this all i need to keep up with is an iPad which is extremely easy.

Gallardo, Aug 31, 2011

The day I received my schedule with a note attached explaining about the iPads, I was extremely thrilled! My first reaction to the news was " is this a joke ", though by time I realized that there was actually going to be a paperless class. Now, there are many advantages in obtaining the iPad instead of a text book. One, one can be much more organized in their notes, homework, lab work and so forth. Two, it allows more access to information by having the worlds biggest textbook in here, the Internet! I believe this made my life and my classmates life so much easier by having the access of using the Internet at any time; I use the Internet as my second teacher in class. And to end this, I think it's just awesome that I don't have to carry another load of textbook and binder to class! It would be fantastic if every class was the same; because, it would make learning so much easier and I cannot express that enough. So, whoever had this brilliant idea, thank you!

Briggins, Aug 31, 2011

When i first found out i was going to be in an iPad class i was sooo excited. But when we first started i was confused and i didnt get how to work evernote, or notetaker. Being two weeks into school i now know evernote and notetaker off the back of my head. Its amazing how quick we caught on. I love having my ipad. Not using a txt book is my ideal class. Its so easy for me to learn on these iPads because i can quickly go to the internet and google what ever i need. This ipad helps me stay so organized , if i didnt have it i wouldnt be able to remeber what i have to do in my other classes , long story short i love my ipad class.

Sanders, Aug 31, 2011

At first, I was excited beyond belief about the iPad paperless class. I am still very pleased with it, although I have troubles with learning how to use the iPad on top of learning the lesson being taught by Mrs. Hawthorne. It does help on not having lug books from school to home and vice-versa. The paperless factor is very environment friendly. I think that Note Taker HD is a wonderful application we use on the iPads. I also believe that evernote is quite resourceful and makes organizing our assignments easy. Although it will take practice, I think that these iPads will become a very resourceful tool in the world of education.