iPads in the classroom: take 2

After much research, I have decided NOT to use e-readers in my high school level French classes this spring for the following reasons:

1)  There are no apps available that correspond to my students’ current needs.  Most apps are geared towards children or true beginners.  I teach Upper level students.  I do not teach any entry level French courses.  I suspect that more apps will become available with time.  I would especially like to see publishers develop apps that correspond directly with their textbooks. 

2)  Most of the reading material available in French (books/ magazines/ newspapers) is either too remedial or too advanced (adult level novels) for a high school level French student.  I was hoping to find relatively easy French books or short stories (like Le Petit Nicolas or even Le Petit Prince).  These types of books are not yet available.

3)  There is a limited amount of free material.  I do not want to purchase an entire book when we would only have time to read and study a few pages.  I do not want to purchase multiple magazines in order to find a few articles that correspond to the curriculum.  

4)  In the second language classroom, most reading (at least long passages/ books) takes place outside of the classroom, so that students can spend class time communicating in the language.  At this point in time, our students cannot take the iPads home with them.  I do not believe that having students read during class would be a good use of class time.  Second language students need to spend as much class time as possible speaking the language since this is the one skill that they can practice at home.

However, I do believe that iPads could greatly improve students’ reading skills and be a valuable tool for Upper School language teachers.  I would like to see my students use iPads in the following situations/ circumstances:

1)  Summer reading for pre-AP students:  Most French classics can be obtained for free.  An e-reader would be an excellent option for encouraging students to work on their skills outside of the classroom.  If granted permission, I would assign one or two books to be read over the summer. 

2)  As a means to challenge gifted students: Offering additional assignments based on readings would be an easy and effective way to differentiate learning.   

3)  As the cornerstone of an advanced elective course.  Once our school adopts trimesters, the language department will be able to offer electives to students in their fourth and fifth years.  I believe that a current events course designed around selected newspapers/ magazines would be interesting and useful.  I think that students would be very excited about this sort of class.  Not only would it generate enthusiasm, it would also serve to show the relevance of French in today’s society.  Furthermore, this type of course would be a great way to encourage cross disciplinary studies.  A literary survey course is another elective that could be very appealing for these reasons.