The Curtin iPad Users Group might be just the network to help you explore the exciting and practical possibilities this device offers.

The Curtin iPad Users Group inaugural meeting was held in March. This self-sustaining learning community provides a hub for generating positive collaborations among staff from diverse work areas with the potential to stimulate leadership and good practice in mobile learning.

What’s driving the interest in iPads?

The enhanced benefits in portability, mobility, connectivity and functionality have generated phenomenal consumer uptake of tablet devices, particularly the iPad. This ‘post PC era’ trend is rapidly producing interest in the educational sector as this new technology has the potential to dynamically transform teaching, learning, research and administration.

So what can I do with an iPad?

By leveraging the advantages of increased mobility and portability and rapid connectivity with the exciting range of apps available, the iPad can be used to play movies and music, capture and display photos, compose and access ebooks and documents, and browse the web.

Here are a few examples of how iPads are already being used at Curtin supported by a variety of apps.

In addition to these uses, you can also turn your iPad into a secondary desktop display, stream movies from your PC, connect devices such as keyboards, speakers, and headsets, and access your PC remotely.

Want to get involved?

You can join the Curtin iPad Users Group by signing up to this ‘Organisation’ within Blackboard.  Here are a few simple steps to guide you through the self enrolment process:
•    Login to Blackboard
•    Click on the Community tab
•    Search for ‘iPad Users Group’
•    Use the drop down menu next to the Organisation name to select the Enrol option.

Once you have completed your enrolment, you can access the information and resources available on the site.

You may also enrol yourself into any of the special interest groups, which include:

• App Development – for people who have ideas about creating an app for the iPad/iPhone/iPod and those who are already developing an app and may need assistance.
• Absolute Beginners – for those new to the iPad this is a space to share ideas and learn from your colleagues to discover the functional capabilities of this device.
• iBooks – for those who are thinking about creating an electronic text book . This group is for discussion around the options available to do this.
• Managing multiple iPads – this group looks at issues such as keeping the iPads charged, synching the content, creating a consistent interface and coordination to manage class sets of iPads.
• iPads in Education – For those interested in resources, apps and ideas for using the iPad in all aspects of teaching and learning.
• Mine’s not an iPad – A group for users of other tablet devices that do not use the iPad operating system.

Want to know more?

For more information on using iPads in education visit the Curtin iPad Users Group’s Scoop.it site.