iPads and the Library

So this year, I have heard of many more schools bringing iPads into the library for student use.  What a fantastic idea.  There are so many great apps that can read to students, teach students, and entertain students out there.  I hope that I am able to bring these to my school one day.

I also just saw a fantastic way to utilize these tools.  What about an iPad corner in the library--similar to a centers table where students can use and utilize them during their library time.  It can even be decorated with great pictures and these fantastic posters on school age directions for using the iPad--I'm envisioning elementary school with these. :) 

I have heard some rough stories from high schools that give each student an iPad and dealing with breaks and completely destroyed units but I guess part of that comes from the understanding that they are students and accidents will happen.

I have also seen great apps for the iPad that are for students.  They make books interactive and fun in a way that is all new for kids.  I love apps like Touch Press that offer a number of interactive books on education topics such as the periodic table and gemstones.  It lets you explore up close, 3-D images of gemstones and its properties.  It also has music and information that is interesting as well as engaging for students.  I think this is a great way for students to learn without even knowing they are learning.  There are also apps that have weird or strange facts.  What a great way for them to learn something that will stick with them such as "A waterfall in Hawaii flows up instead of down."  It can be a way to start off the day with random information as well as an attention grabber for students. The great part of having an iPad is while it is a large initial expense, many educational and game apps are free or very low cost. The few I highlight here are no more than two dollars and most are completely free. I think iPads are a great way to enhance student learning!

iPads have definitely changed the standard for engaging student learners.  I think it creates a whole new scope of hands on or interactive learning and yet it can be used in so many different ways.  Do you have any apps that you would recommend for a library?  What do kids love to play with that will be great to use everyday?