Web Editor’s Note: This story was written for the MCOMM 3309 – News Editing & Reporting Class

West Texas A&M University is keeping up with the times by offering iPads to the students in certain classrooms for their use in enhancing learning and creativity.

Currently four classrooms are using iPads, but that number is expected to go up.

“I foresee more classrooms beginning to use them [iPads] in the future,” Multimedia Specialist Tricia Phillips said.As the demand for iPads at WT goes up, the university will need to provide more, which will cost money.

“Our [Technology] department has a budget that is renewed every September. When we receive our budget we are then able to purchase more of the things we need, but may not always have the funding for everything,” James Webb, chief information officer, said.
In order for a class to be able to use the iPads, the professor of the class must apply for use through WT’s Information Technology center.

“I think iPads can be very beneficial for higher learning,” Tricia Phillips said.

iPads are versatile and can be used for many things like storing digital textbooks and creating Word Documents, but they can be especially helpful for creative use in the classroom.

“iPads are great for photo editing and design work. Also it’s easier to pull out [an iPad] than a laptop during class,” Derek Meister, a Geek Squad agent and Apple salesman, said.
iPads are expected to be used in more classrooms in the future.