iPads as mobile IWBs Michelle Read and Royce Kimmons The University of Texas at Austin USA michelle_read@utexas.edu rkimmons@austin.utexas.edu Abstract: This paper explores the use of iPads as potential replacements for interactive whiteboards in the classroom, through a TPCK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) framework. With the use of specialized apps, which project your laptop or computer wirelessly to the iPad device, the user can then control his/her computer from the iPad anywhere within the network range. The iPad has over 140,000 apps at this time (Apple.com, 2011), many of which are specifically developed for educational purposes. Additionally, companies such as Doceri and Splashtop have created combined utilities for both extending your computer image to your iPad and providing IWB –like tools. Possible activities include screen recordings, podcasting and collaborative writing, among other things. Additionally, the user can highlight, annotate, etc. over the projected image. This can also be projected onto the wall or screen for larger audiences. In this roundtable presentation, we will present several uses for this type of setup. Introduction Interactive whiteboards in schools Interactive Whiteboards are rapidly becoming commonplace in today’s schools. Interactive Whiteboards, or IWBs, are systems, which include a touch-screen surface, a projector and a computer. This triangulation creates interactivity between the projected image and computer, so that the computer can be controlled from the board rather than the lectern or desk. “IWBs make the computer invisible, as all interaction with both the hardware and the software takes place within the familiar confines of the board itself (Schmid, 2008).” Wiring within the board, or an attachment placed on the board, creates an infrared wireless grid that reacts to the touch of a special electronic pen, or in some cases simply your finger. These boards are usually attached to the wall and connect to your computer via wireless connectivity or USB cables. Sales of these devices were expected to reach one million in 2010 worldwide (Yahoo! News UK, 2010). Originally built for business (Ketelhut, 2009), educators now “comprise the largest user base for this technology, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom (SmartTechnologies, 2004).” Although use has grown faster in the UK, interest in the board is growing worldwide according to Hodge & Anderson, 2007. Art Berman’s (2008) blog notes that 70% of these boards are in the UK, US and Mexico. Mexico’s President Fox has created the Encicolmeida project which has equipped 200,000 + classrooms with this technology. Berman (2008) also notes an anticipated 80% classroom penetration in the UK in the “near future.” However, these units cost thousands of dollars. At an average of $3500 per board, which must have an accompanying computer and projector to operate, several tablet computers, such as iPads, can be purchased. Enter the iPad iPads were first introduced to the public by Apple Inc. in April, 2010. The following year, iPad 2 was born. Very similar in functionality to the popular iPod Touches and iPhones, the iPad 2 has a 9.7” screen (Apple.com, 2011). The touch screen device has a full onscreen keyboard, but can also use external bluetooth keyboards. Additionally, the iPad - 3036 -