The Case of the iPad

Abstract

This chapter offers a critical perspective on the uptake of mobile technologies in education by interweaving personal stories with multiple theoretical perspectives. Through a series of provocations, readers are invited to consider ideas that problematize mobility and access, introduce and rework environmental concerns and question the impact of software architecture, algorithms and coding. The chapter details areas that have so far been absent from work at the intersection of literacy and technology and in so doing outlines areas that are rich with possibility for further research.

Due to back problems I’ve always avoided using laptops more than absolutely necessary and my large hands mean I’m all fingers and thumbs when I use my smartphone so I’ve never really grown to love it. My iPad though is much more of a friend, part of the family even, following me from office to lounge to kitchen to office and coming on trips and outings. Its black articulated case is practical but gives nothing away. When I fold it back though an image springs to life, a forgotten world. It’s a photo taken early one sunny morning at the Fairy Glen near Uig on the Isle of Skye. It makes me smile every time I see it and remember the surprise of stumbling across this eerie place tucked away from Skye’s more obvious highlights. I’ve had the iPad for maybe four years now, it’s a reconditioned iPad 2. I’ve recently heard that Apple are going to stop updating the operating system for iPad 2 s. How long until mine ceases to function with the apps I use and it goes to join all the other discarded devices and chargers that clutter my home?