iPad Personalization

           Prior to this experience, I was already knowledgeable about how to use and personalize an iPad or other IOS devices. However, I did get to play around with some features that I have never tried out before. For example, I explored the accessibility options and found that the iPad provides some interesting ways to make use easier for certain people or to simply change up the look of the interface. I tried many of these options, such as invert colors, and found that even for users without need for these options they can be a fun way to personalize your device. I also appreciated the option for on and off labels on buttons, as sometimes it can be confusing trying to tell if something is toggled on or off.

            After this experience, I would be less likely to purchase an iPad. I felt that the device was too heavy and impractical for what I would probably use it for. I did this homework while lying in bed—which is where I would probably use a tablet to watch Netflix or browse social media—and I found it to be uncomfortable to use. Although my iPhone has a drastically smaller screen, it does everything I would want an iPad for and it is light and easy to just hold in one hand. For schoolwork or professional work, I find using my laptop to be a lot easier and a lot more practical.

            However, I see that iPads can be used for great things in the classroom. There are many educational apps that would be great for students to have access to. Despite this, I still think that it is more practical for students to be provided laptops than for them to be provided iPads. In my opinion, laptops are just more useful for a student’s typical needs, such as writing long papers, research, and making presentations. Having an iPad may also provide students with more opportunities to get off task than with a laptop, as even I got distracted by apps during the 20 minutes I was exploring the personalization settings of the device.