iPads in the Engineering Classroom

As iPads and similar touch-screen devices continue to flood the market, engineering programs are seeking to integrate these platforms into student education. With total market penetration of perhaps 125 million iPads sold to date and nearly half a billion smartphones (all brands) shipped in 2011 alone for a total of just over 1 billion smartphone users currently holding active accounts worldwide, the transition to highly-mobile touch screen computing is upon us. Further, the Pew Internet and American Life Project estimates that 66% of those between 18 and 29 years old own smartphones, with the likelihood of ownership increasing with higher incomes. Engaging the current technology-hungry college student is thus promising, possible and necessary; but with over 100,000 applications available for the iPad alone, critical questions remain. What applications, tools and methods truly enhance the learning environment and what educational benefit, if any, do the students receive through the use of these devices? How do we integrate these devices in a way that appeals to our students, Prensky's "digital natives", when most of our professors are "digital immigrants", without placing unmanageable burdens on the instructional team?