Final Topic Question

What are the benefits, as well as possible drawbacks of using iPads in the School Library Media Center?

First Reflection on Inquiry Process

So far I'm working through the first two steps of the I-Search model, which is Selecting a Topic, and Finding Information.  I knew I wanted to conduct research on iPads and their use in schools, but at this point I'm narrowing down this research so that I can form my specific focus and question regarding iPads and schools.  The concept model I created has really helped in this process, as it allows for me to quickly and easily jot down ideas and information that I stumble across.  The first step of I-Search, Selecting a Topic really focuses on exploring the ideas I come up with, and browsing different resources, which is what I have spent most of my time doing so far.  Since the information needs to be current, and preferably from the last twelve months for this type of assignment, I have been using many different blogs, and news websites as sources of information.  I have also used some oral communication with people that know more about iPads than I do, which is how I discovered the upcoming use of iPads in Canisius High School.  As I continue in the first step, I would like to explore some other sources of information, such as related listservs.  Although, I still plan to collect more information, I have began to move into the second step of I-search with the information that I already have collected as I've started formulating questions, arguments, and exploring each specific resource more in depth.

Concept Map

Here's a link to my concept map.  I've never made one of these before, but I'm really enjoying it and will probably add more as I go along, as it really is helping me remember ideas/organize my thoughts.

https://bubbl.us/?h=cfccd/18a70c/85TX43OClRDus

Inquiry Model and Topic

After exploring the inquiry models, I have decided to use the I-Search model to guide in my research as this model seems to incorporate all of the steps in some of the more involved models, such as the Pathways to Knowledge approach, but in a much more condensed and less complicated manner.  I really appreciate the nonlinear concept and the presearch stage associated with the Pathways to Knowledge, but I feel like these aspects are incorporated in the Selecting a topic and Finding Information stages of the I-Search as well.  Due to these reasons, I have chosen the I-Search model as it seems to fit most with how I research and gather information.  I also like how it stresses a focus on student's interests. 

The topic I have decided to research will focus on iPads in schools, and more specifically in the school library.  I'm very curious about the iPad/tablet phenomenon as I do not own one, and know little of their growing impacts as an educational tool especially.