The iPad has been touted as a better way to learn since
the tablet computer was introduced by Apple founder Steve Jobs in 2010. Now, there
is research that shows the claim to be correct.
The new study found that learning on tablets tap into neurocognitive
skills that help students understand difficult concepts. The students used in
the research saw gains in their learning from just 20 minutes of study on an
iPad, with an even more pronounced improvement with guidance from an
instructor.
“The bottom line is that these iPads and similar tools
actually do make a difference,” said Matthew Schneps, founding member of
science education department at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics
in an article in National Geographic.
Researchers compared test results given to thousands of
high school astronomy students across the nation. The study was able to define
how students performed on the test and how use of the tablets changed test
results.
The results of the study also suggest that using
tablets to study makes it easier to grasp difficult scientific concepts. In addition, being able to use the technology may be critical in future career training,
according to Schneps.
“They’re not going to be doing things in their jobs the
same way that previous generations did, so if kids can learn in school today
using the same tools that they will use in their careers later on, that’s a
good thing,” he said.