After one semester of use, the iPad, and its impact on the academic environment, is being assessed at Seton Hill University.

Assessment activities underway include: evaluation of professional development program, student focus groups, faculty focus groups and surveys of faculty and staff monitoring iPad and MacBook Pro use statistics.

Early data reveals an increased accessibility to research materials to support learning concepts. Faculty members noted that they are more spontaneous in exploring resources.

Both faculty and students indicate that the iPad creates an enhanced sense of community and fosters much more collaboration. Fifty-two percent of the student body report that communication has been positively impacted by the adoption of the iPad. Faculty members note that they feel the new communication tools the iPad provides make it easier to “reach out and help others succeed.”

Faculty and students share that they use their MacBooks for document creation and accessing multimedia, videos and software programs not compatible with the iPad; they also prefer to use the MacBook when they need to use a keyboard. Both populations use the iPad for communication, information gathering, note taking, reading and interactive work. Mobile devices continue to have a positive impact on students and faculty staying connected.