As Vicki Ventura and I have visited teachers and administrators from multiple districts throughout the last several months, we are consistently surprised that these beliefs about iPads in the classroom still exist.

MYTH: The iPad is a consumption device, especially in the early years. It is not a creation device. 

TRUTH: Even the youngest children can create on an iPad. We have seen very young children create pictures, edit photos, and even create video. It may not be the highest quality product that they produce, but it is age and developmentally appropriate.

MYTH: You can lock down an iPad so that no one can delete the profile or reset it. 

TRUTH: At this time Apple does not allow districts or any entity to lock down a device so that it cannot be reset. A student must simply connect to a Mac to reset the device. Apple says they are working on an enterprise solution to help districts with this issue.

MYTH: Once teachers have iPads in the classrooms, student-centered lessons will increase exponentially because the students know what to do.

TRUTH: Staff development, collaboration and support are key for successful implementation. Students know the devices, but teachers may not. While the iPad is a powerful classroom tool, it will not be used effectively if the teacher is not comfortable with students using it. Even the best teachers need help to change the classroom environment to student-centered. Teachers have to be supported, both technically and emotionally, in the use of iPads or any new technology as a vehicle for change in their classroom.

If you have a myth to add to the list, please share it in the comments.