Integrating Apple iPads into University Computing Courses

The use of mobile devices is becoming increasingly common in both society and in the K-12 environment. Products such as the Apple iPad and the Microsoft Surface, among others, have matured to a point where university faculty are striving to integrate this increasingly ubiquitous technology into the classroom and the curriculum. This paper represents a case study examining one attempt to integrate the use of tablets into five university-level computing courses during the 2015-2016 academic year. The author used a set of iPads and accompanying classroom technology (e.g. Apple TV, keyboards) in an attempt to engage students and build their problem-solving and collaborative skills. Student feedback suggests that students were engaged, and the results for the iPad's impact on problem-solving and collaborative skills improved over the course of the year. A number of challenges were observed, including inadequate student knowledge of tablets, wireless connectivity issues, student resistance to the group learning afforded by the iPads, and keeping the tablets charged and clean. Future plans for the study intend to address the challenges uncovered, using student and instructor feedback as an impetus for future development. This paper serves as an experiential report designed to inform other faculty who may be looking into similar projects.