Similar to Facebook's "frictionless sharing," the iPad allows frictionless learning by reducing the need to switch devices, platforms, and software. The iPad can serve as a single stop for most learning needs: research, reference, note-taking, communication, sharing, and even audio-video recording. Like any new device, though, the iPad poses unique challenges for institutional maintenance and support. In July 2011, the Weigle Information Commons purchased a set of 30 iPads for faculty to use with their students. In the months that followed, the iPads have recorded interviews with students at a local high school, helped faculty physicians evaluate apps for clinical care, and even traveled to New York City. In this presentation, we will share lessons learned from our pilot project, including response data from faculty and students who participated in the project, and insight into management of a classroom set of iPads. By sharing our experiences, we hope to start a conversation about strategies to leverage the power of frictionless learning.
