Tampa Teachers Put iPads to Work in Classroom

As today’s news of Apple’s anticipated iPad 2 release has technology buffs buzzing, teachers at a local school can attest to the benefits the popular gadget brings to the classroom. Tampa Preparatory School was the beneficiary of several iPads earlier this year, a gift from Arnstein & Lehr LLP (Tampa, Fla.) partners Vanessa and Ron Cohn, for use by its English Department.

“We believe that the iPads’ potential will be carried forward through avenues of unlimited development,” says Kevin Plummer, Tampa Preparatory School headmaster. “Our English teachers have found many educational applications helpful, such as the many apps of literary criticism that exist, and the mobile mouse enhances the use of the SmartBoard.”

Because of their personal involvement with the school, Mr. and Mrs. Cohn saw the vision for robust technology in the classroom and were inspired to make the unique donation.

“We see how the use of this technology has greatly enhanced our legal practices,” says Ms. Cohn, whose focuses her work in commercial real estate, landlord representation in commercial lease transactions, business organizations and the representation of lenders and other creditors. “As attorneys, we are able to be more responsive to our clients, have information readily available at our fingertips and streamline our communications. We are excited to provide this empowering technology to local teachers.”

Headmaster Plummer notes that an interesting and unanticipated benefit has surfaced in the Tampa Prep classrooms since the iPads arrived. “Students, upon realizing their teacher had an iPad, immediately swarm around and eagerly began wanting to teach the teacher!”

Ms. Cohn is available for interviews. [03/02/2011]