In crossing the digital divide, the integration of tablets such as the iPad in the classroom has allowed educators to impart knowledge to students living miles away from them. It also paved the way for a personalized learning experience and newer methods of measuring comprehension. Despite the significant improvements, teachers encounter many hurdles that tamper the learning process.

Most of these barriers came from our wrong impression of the technology, such as tablets can be a source of distraction rather than a tool for learning. Now, you can defeat this problem through Jacqui Murray’s APE Approach – authentic integration, purpose-driven usability, and engagement. Combined together, you will be able to combat these myths which we’ll discuss below:

Myth #1. The absence of Flash is a major setback.

It’s known to many users that the Adobe Flash player isn’t present on most iDevices. Apple shows it’s not a great loss by resorting to HTML 5, rendering educational multimedia content without the need to install a plug-in or a player application. An example is YouTube’s iOS app that delivers non-Flash video that can be streamed through the device. Emaze noted that Flash players have the tendency to slow down the device immensely, since the gadget’s central processing unit (CPU) handles the graphic and its graphic chip.

Myth #2. A credit card must be associated with your iTunes account.

A credit card becomes a necessity when purchasing a learning app or when simply unlocking some features of your learning management system (LMS). However, installing an app doesn’t always come with a credit card transaction. Freemium (free premium) applications can be downloaded easily without the need to present your banking information.

Other devices also have a safer way of handling your personal information. Apple’s recent smartphone, the iPhone 5s, has an added security on its fingerprint home technology. O2 notes that it has the ability to make iTunes and App Store purchases in just a scan of a finger. All your personal information will be kept safe along with your Apple ID and fingerprint information. But, it won’t be long before iPad will also get this feature. Redmond Pie reported a new iPad Air will be released this year, sporting the same Touch ID technology.

Myth #3. Game-based learning doesn’t coincide with the Common Core State Standards.

Many teachers tout gamification as the ultimate culprit of mobile learning, mainly because many perceive it more of a distraction. This is where Murray’s authentic integration steps in, wherein teachers have to streamline the type of games that would compliment their curriculum requirements to keep learning goals in place. Using an iPad, students can play games that employ a mastery-based approach. As a student moves on to the next level, teachers are able to measure skill development and application. Some apps also employ a performance report feature, to easily detect where each student needs to focus on.

Myth #4. A tablet doesn’t print.

It’s true that printing isn’t one of iPad’s native features, but it’s because using the devices doesn’t require the need to print handouts to distribute in class. When conducting peer-to-peer collaborations, students can easily trade tablets to proofread each other’s work. For teachers, they can easily distribute a course syllabus and homeworks through the iCloud, allowing students to access them at home or through their devices.

But when the need to print arises, you can set up the iPad with an AirPrint compatible printer. Once the feature is turned on, it will automatically scan and search for a nearby printer to print any document from Pages and other apps.

Myth #5. It’s cumbersome.

Forbes in 2010 has reiterated this concern, but was quickly debunked by conducting an interview with Mark Dorset from the University of Melbourne. Dorset cited an ebookanoid article saying “(The tablet) will produce a whole load of young adults who are incapable of writing by hand, and I gather probably also incapable of reading handwritten notes as well.” But, Dorset was quick in saying that this is a result of “paranoid” thinking.

Typing long essays and reports may be an issue. Fortunately, the device is built to communicate with wireless Bluetooth keyboard. These external devices provide iPads the ability to match the same typing mechanism of laptops and PCs.

These debunked myths point to one significant fact – that the iPad is a piece of hardware that opens doors for teachers and students to welcome change and stay attuned to the demands of interactive learning.

Blogging for many years now, Kyle Albert has been covering the increasing demand for mobile technology usage in the classroom. He often writes tips and tricks on how to maximize smartphones and tablets in the classroom. For more tips, contact him on Google+.