During the winter 2011 semester (January-May) students registered in an English Directing course were invited to participate in an iPad research project. The project involved students using a university-furnished iPad in their blended learning course for their course-related work. This included e-texts and directing-related apps relevant to the course. Students were free to use the iPad for their other course work and personal use as well during the semester. Students used their iPads to read their texts, take notes, carry out research, and write projects. Written assignments includes a weekly blog, a seminar on a theatre or film director, and either a director's book (theatre) or a film script with a storyboard (film). The students used apps specific to theatre and filmmaking on the iPad, including scriptwriting (CELTX), storyboarding (Hitchcock or CINEMAK Storyboard Composer), digital clapboards, and more. Other apps included Kindle for reading textbooks, Office HD for writing assignments, Dropbox for transferring files, Goodreader for viewing and annotating pdfs, and Wordpress for blogging. There were five primary research questions: (a) How can portable multi-media devices, such as iPads, be integrated into a classroom setting as an educational tool?; (b) How effective are iPads in the classroom?; (c) To what extent can an iPad in the classroom support learner interactivity, collaboration, communication, reflection, interest, engagement, and motivation?; (d) Can portable tablets, such as the iPad, enhance student learning and/or excitement for learning through the tablet's advantages over other tools such as physical textbooks, pen and paper, and even laptops? ; and (e) Do the devices enhance the potential for learning, or are they are more of a disruptive technology, and negatively impact students in an academic setting? A brief summary of results relating to each question will be presented. Segments of student video interviews relating to the areas of investigation will be presented. Questions will be encouraged. Goals: 1.Share knowledge of students' experience of iPad use in a highly interactive, hands-on English course. 2.Contribute to the limited body of knowledge on iPad and tablet use in higher education. 3.Ascertain audience's interest in iPad (tablet) use.
