iPads in the primary mathematics classroom : exploring the experiences of four teachers

Many schools in Australia are investing significant funds in the purchase of iPads for use in classrooms. Often the iPads are introduced with little or no professional development support for teachers who are expected to use the devices to enhance learning outcomes. To date there is little research documenting the ways in which iPads are used to teach primary mathematics or the issues teachers face when introducing the devices into their existing practices. This study explored the experiences of four primary school teachers during their first six months of iPad use in mathematics lessons. The iPads were used in a variety of ways and were found to enhance the range of resource materials already available to the teachers. Although there were minor issues relating to the introduction of the iPads, the study highlighted their potential to enrich learning and teaching in the primary mathematics classroom.