Apple’s iBook Using in Schools

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Introduction

iBooks have become very common in the teaching and learning environment (Levy, 1999). Their application has made the process of teaching and learning particularly enjoyable as they provide interesting sessions where the students can get illustrations for better understanding of the content of the book or other materials (Blane, 2003).

Teachers find this software advantageous as well since it has immensely reduced their workload meaning that they are no longer need to prepare their lesson plans on a daily basis because all the required information can be saved in the iBook.

These plans can be used for years unlike the printed ones that usually get worn out, and as such, there appears a need to prepare others with similar content, which might be tiring and taking a lot of time.

iBooks have modernized and changed the education system whereby before the technological progress, teachers used boards and chalk to explain the materials of the lesson.

It was tiresome for some and even harmful to the others (Levy, 1999) For example, it is unsuitable to those teachers who are allergic to chalk dust. In the modern learning systems, the teachers very often use iPods in order to engage the students in discussions.

Moreover, assignments can also be given to the students in soft copy (Minkel, 2003). A variety of books can be allocated by the teacher with the help of iBooks because they can be accessed easily by everyone, and they are inexpensive.

The fact that higher costs are associated with print text means that teachers can either purchase fewer print-based textbooks or opt for more iBook supporting electronic texts. Having access to a greater variety of texts encourages the students to read and develop a researching culture (Minkel, 2003). Thus, it can be stated that the iBook helps both the teachers and the students create a library of their choice

This application has improved the education sector and learning process as through the embracement of this technology, students are able to access the teacher’s notes even when they are away from school (Blane, 2003). It has helped to curb the communication obstacles of effective learning.

The teaching environment has also become conducive for those instructors who have a lot of sessions to teach. They can now comfortably manage all of them since they do not have to carry books and other materials with them (Minkel, 2003). All their teaching materials can be stored in the iBook which has made the teaching enjoyable and comfortable. Due to this innovation, the teaching profession has moved to another level.

Variables

Independent variable. Using of iBooks at school.
Dependent variables. The impact on learning as measured by the performance of the students

General review

The iBook has been given much credit when it comes to the improvement of academic status (Minkel, 2003). Students were the major target when the introduction of this application was taking place. It is important to note that Apple Company has contributed greatly to the embracement of technology at schools as it has modified the electronics to suite the learning process.

Results of the research conducted point out that this software is widely used by both the teaching staff and students in a number of schools around the world (Minkel, 2003). According to Minkel’s study, students confessed that learning became much easier for them and more enjoyable as the idea of using iBooks while studying was adopted and accepted (Blane, 2003).

What is an iBook?

An iBook is from the family of Apple Computers. IBooks have been put up after the invention of laptops that have been in the market since the year 1999. Upon invention, the iBook has been targeting the education and consumer markets. It has been made in such a manner to incorporate several applications. The iBook replaced the iMac in 2006. The iBook has become very popular among the citizens of the United States of America.

The iBook has transformed and changed the methods of teaching. It is no longer compulsory for a teacher to visit the classroom in order to conduct a lesson. Books can be distributed through iPods to students for them to master the material on their own.

In such away, each student gets an opportunity to more thoroughly understand the material since everyone reads it at his/her own pace any time he/she finds it comfortable. The interactive sessions between the readings also make the whole learning process enjoyable (Blane, 2003).

IBooks provide teachers and students with information that is up-to-date because they provide an easy access to the new and relevant information (Blane, 2003). It is also very comfortable because an iBook allows fast opening of books and various folders. It saves time and encourages the reader to read more and enjoy this process.

It also saves the students’ work meaning that when the battery goes off, nothing important is never lost; the system saves all the information automatically. In general, the use of iBooks is very convenient and easy enabling people of different ages to use the gadget.

Dependent variables

The impact on learning is considered to be the dependable variable since it is used to measure if the use of iBooks has any positive or negative effects on learning. It is important to consider this variable since it is the determinant of the effects on learning after using iBooks at schools.

It has impacted on the learning process in the sense that it has made the students change their attitudes towards education. They have developed a positive attitude towards the learning process. As a result, their grades have improved.

Independent variable

IBooks are used by students at school since each student who used the iBook will be tested to see if it has caused some effects on learning.

Using Ibooks by students at school.

Purpose of the study

The purpose of the study is to find out if the use of iBook at schools has any effect on the teaching and learning process.

Benefits of iBook

The iBook has been found to have a lot of benefits. The most obvious advantage is that it saves space since it has a comparatively small size as only light materials are utilized in its manufacture. Because of such characteristics, the iBook is easy to carry around. When having different sessions of classes, it is really convenient (Minkel, 2003).

The iBook is also preferred by a lot of people since it has the ability to store a lot of class materials. It is manufactured in such a manner that several textbooks can be saved in it. It, therefore, reduces the need to carry various books.

Reading an iBook is also very interesting because the user does not have to thoroughly peruse the entire book in order to get a concept, the students can easily search there for the results to be displayed immediately. Such technology encourages the reader to read more. In some cases, the iBook is cheaper since there are no additional costs associated with it, for example, the printing costs, editor’s fee, among others.

This device is also preferred in learning institutions since it enhances understanding because the concept can be explained in various methods. A good example is the use of videos, 3Ddiagrams, interactive gallery and charts (Blane, 2003). The iBook can also be used for many other purposes.

Although it is used specifically for learning, it can also be utilized for entertainment purposes. This type of reading allows highlighting and taking notes. It also gives the students the option of sharing notes with the others. This encourages the culture of exchanging notes, as such increasing the probability of researching more (Berger, 2005).

How does iBook help the students?

A n iBook helps students in various ways. It helps them compile their notes in an organized and easy way. This application organizes books and notes according to their content and subjects. This makes their reviewing quite easy. When reading a book, it is also possible to take short notes and highlight the important points, if necessary.

By doing this, it helps students understand more and focus on the parts that need a thorough consideration. Noting down the important points enables the students to better remember the information. Referring to these notes is not hectic, as when using textbooks because they are stored as books (Berger, 2005).

Passing examinations for these students is much easier since they have all they need at hand. The iBooks also lessen the students’ burden as they do not need to carry several books to and from school because the iBook has a huge storage space where each and every book they need can be stored (Levy, 1999).

How an iBook is effective in learning?

Technology has come up with several ways due to which the learning process has been improved nowadays. The iBook is the latest of all. Apple Company invented this type of technology since most students have already embraced the technology. This type of learning has helped students understand their material of the lessons and pass the examinations well.

Statistics have shown that almost every student is aware of the iBook and willing to know how it is used. This device helps the students have an interactive session allowing the students to create and manage their virtual library in their own way. It allows the students to keep the books they desire and delete those that are of no use for them anymore.

It also enables one to exchange books online. This is cost effective since there are no costs of reproducing the book or lending costs like those at the libraries (Minkel, 2003). This application helps to sort different books according to the subjects and content. It makes it easier for the students to understand.

Since this tool ensures enjoyable learning, most students have adapted to it. It is boring at times to hold a book in one’s hands and read it (Berger, 2005). This software is a savior for many students because it is designed in such a way that it shows a book with its full preview which helps the students get the full information on the matter they have been searching for.

As a result, they are able to easily pass an exam. The software is organized in such a way that any document downloaded or written in Microsoft word is saved in the format of a book. This helps organize the work of a student; any time, the students are in need of the book they can easily access it.

iBook versus hard copy books

The research has proved that iBooks are much better than hardcopy books are because the iBook can save a large number of books whereas the hardcopies do not allow that. They cannot be carried around since they are heavy (Gore, &Michaels, 2001).

Moreover, when reading an iBook, it is also much easier to understand the information because its illustrations are much better than those in a text book. It displays them in 3D diagrams with a number of more interesting things. However, one cannot deny the fact that it is also tiresome for some people to spend the whole day at a screen, which worsens eyesight.

In general, it must be emphasized that it is cheaper to have a virtual library stored at iBook rather than the print-based text books. For schools, it is also easier to introduce iBooks since the hardcopy books wear out after some time, which is very expensive in terms of replacing them.

At some institutions, the textbooks also get outdated. This means that they should be disposed and replaced with the others (Minkel, 2003). If the books become outdated, it is only a matter of downloading a new edition which is much cheaper than buying a new copy.

Performance of students using iBooks as compared to those who are not using it

Students who use iBooks enjoy the process of learning because learning may involve something, for example, videos, in order to make it interesting. When learning is interesting, it goes without saying that the understanding is faster. The time taken by the two different students using different books is different. The students using iBooks also find it easy to manage their libraries.

They are the ones to choose what to store in their libraries and what to delete from them. When a student decides to organize his or her libraries in his/her own way, it means that one is enjoying (Gore, &Michaels, 2001). Students using these applications have a possibility of exchanging notes with each other; they are able to read various materials unlike those students who are using textbooks.

Those students who carry textbooks to and from school are likely to get tired as compared to those who carry the iPods. It is logical for such a student to perform better than the students who use regular books do. Moreover, those using iBooks are likely to keep abreast with the times meaning that they better understand technological devices as compared to those who are using printed sources (Albanesius, 2012).

Significance of the study

This study is designed to establish the impact of using iBooks on the teaching environment and its influence on the teaching and learning processes.

Methodology

Target population

The target population will be approximately 60 9 grade students from two schools located in urban and rural areas divided in two groups. The first one is using iBooks and the other one is using textbooks

Sampling technique and sample size
Sampling technique

The researcher will be working with the school management. 9 grade students from the two schools will be sampled using random sampling technique where students, from randomly picked urban and rural schools, were selected.

Sample size determination

There are 300 students of grade 9 at each of the schools. From the 600 9 grade students, 300 using iBooks and 300 using print textbooks, a random sample of 30 students from each will be selected.

Research instruments

Researcher has developed questionnaire to be used for collecting data on the importance of iBooks in the learning process, the changes they brought, disadvantages of iBooks, and performance of the student using them as compared to that of the students in the past.

As well, two-focus group discussions (FGD) will be used to collect information. The FGD’s will also solicit information on the impact of iBooks on the teaching environment.

Pre-testing questionnaires

The questionnaires will be pre-tested accurately prior to the main study on a selected sample of 10% of the sample size which includes 30 respondents who will be selected from each of the two schools. The procedures used in pre-testing the questionnaire will be identical to those used during the actual study.

Validity

The pretest questionnaire will be validated with the help of the focus group to ensure that the respondents interpret the questions as the researchers intend.

Reliability

Test-retest method will be used to test consistency of the questionnaire. The same questionnaire administered during the pre-test will be administered to the same sample of 30 respondents randomly selected for the pre-test after a week.

Data analysis and presentation

Data will be analyzed using the SPSS software and EXCEL. Descriptive statistics (mean, mode, standard deviation, frequencies and percentages) will be used to illustrate the effects of using iBooks on the learning and teaching process. Coding analysis tool kit will be used in the analysis of the recorded information.

Ethical considerations

Permission to conduct the study will be obtained from the relevant education authorities, and a research permit will be get from the department of education. The respondents will be recruited into the study upon their informed consent. The ethics form will be attached to guide the conduct of the interview.

Research design

This study will adapt an experimental design which will show relationships between students using iBooks at schools and those who use manual books for their studies

Potential Limitations of the Study

The study might face problems when it comes to understanding the questions provided in the questionnaire. Hostility from the respondents might also take place as the respondents may cast suspicion on the intentions of the interviewers. It might also be possible that the respondents will not tell the truth. If such things happen, they are likely to affect the results of the study.

References

Albanesius, C. (2012, January 23). Analyst: Apple E-Textbook Sales Top 350,000, After Three Days. PCMag. Web.

Albanesius, C. (2012, January 19). Apple Targets Educators Via iBooks 2, iBooks Author, iTunes U App. PCMag. Web.

Berger, J. (2005). IBook G4s and Mac Minis. Macworld, 22(11), 26.

Blane, D. (2003, October 24). Class in a box. Times Educational Supplement. Web.

Gore, A & Michaels, P. (2001). The New iBook: BIG THING Small Package. Macworld. 18(7), 16.

Levy, S. N. (1999, August 2). Apple’s iBook: A Mac to Go. Newsweek. 13(5), 54.

Minkel, W. (2003, March 1). Laptop. Lessons School Library Journal. Web.

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