k12

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education November 4, 2017

How Should We Address Racism in Higher Education?

American universities have racist histories. Notorious racists, like KKK leaders and slave owners with deep pockets, helped to build the halls and colleges of some of America’s most well-known universities.

If we believe the words of the Declaration of Independence that all people “are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights,” then racism has no value and no place anywhere in society.

Racism in higher education is inexcusable, and if found, must be addressed.

Addressing racism, though is a particularly uncomfortable topic, regardless of skin color and ethnicity.

Micro-aggressions and insensitivity

Micro-aggression is passive-aggressive behavior. The person committing the aggression avoids blatant racism yet continues to destroy interpersonal relationships with their dysfunctional behavior. Higher education must put a stop to the aggression, regardless of how minor, by calling out racism whenever and wherever it happens.

Teaching self-advocacy

Higher education should address racism through a two-pronged approach, much like the one used for sexual harassment prevention training.

First, offer training for students and faculty. Students must learn what constitutes racism. Seeming innocuous statements Like, “Where are you really from?” or “You don’t sound ____ (black/white/Hispanic/Asian)” is racist. The statements are based on a limited worldview, and they are said either out of ignorance or as a micro-aggression. Regardless of intent, the recipient does not have to tolerate the behavior.

Professors and university employees should attend mandatory sensitivity training that includes racism –refraining from committing it and addressing it when it happens.

Second, every college should teach students how to self-advocate. Speaking up takes courage. Victims of racism must speak up when they see or hear racism. They must learn how to stop racism every time it rears its ugly head.

Talking it out and taking action

The Transforming Community Project (TCP) at Emory University has more than a decade of experience in collecting research on racism and diversity, leading difficult conversations, and taking constructive action in response to their discoveries. Leslie Harris, TCP Director and associate professor, notes that as difficult as it may be to define progress in addressing racism, her team continues to guide the transformations as they take place.

Her outlook provides direction on how to address racism in higher education. We can no longer be bystanders in the discussion about racism. We have to guide the discourse in the direction we want it to go.

Higher education must lead the way in addressing racism by teaching what it is and how to stop it.

Matthew Lynch published in Equity, Higher Education November 3, 2017

Universities That Are in Danger of Losing Their Accreditation in 2018

The value of your degree is based on the reputation of your university. That status is measured through a standardized system called accreditation.

Much rides on accreditation, from whether or not your university can help you take advantage of federal loans to whether or not your degree will be recognized once you graduate.

Astute college students analyze campus accreditations before selecting a college and while enrolled there.

What is probation and why it’s important

Accreditation probation is a sanction that puts a university on notice that one or more of their programs do not meet quality standards. It serves as a warning to both the college and to the students who must decide if they will remain enrolled in the school or matriculate elsewhere.

These five universities are in danger of losing accreditation in 2018:

University of Missouri School of Medicine – Due to a lack of diversity, this college may lose accreditation, and students will not be able to sit professional certification exams.
Fort Valley State University – Failure to meet financial standards for the operations of a university has earned this school an accreditation warning. Failure to make appropriate changes may mean the loss of accreditation within one year.
University of Texas –RGV – This newly formed university is a merger of UT Pan American University and UT Brownsville, both of which were once accredited. The speed of the merger has accreditation agencies concerned, and the new school has been placed on probation.
University of Sciences in Philadelphia – The university will likely lose its accreditation in 2018 or early 2019 due to program assessment and administration problems.
National University of Health Sciences – Placed on notice of possible accreditation loss in 2016, this school must show compliance with all requests no later than December 2017 to retain accreditation.

How significant is a loss of accreditation?

When a university loses accreditation, the school loses credibility not only among other institutions of higher education but also among business who hire graduates.

A college with no accreditation is left with programs of study that no other university will recognize. Other schools will not accept attempts to transfer credits, and students will have to retake courses to graduate.

If students at an unaccredited university choose to stay in their until graduation, they risk earning a degree that employers do not value.

A loss of accreditation is dangerous, not just for universities but also for the students enrolled in their programs.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education November 2, 2017

2018 America’s Top Private Universities

American public universities are the envy of the world. These institutions produce many of the world’s top scientists, researchers, thinkers, business people, and politicians.

If you’re hoping to get an incredible education and rub shoulders with some of the best and brightest, these universities are the place to do it.

Here are four of the top private universities in America for 2018.

California Institute of Technology

Looking for a university that produces Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and Fields Medalists recipients in spades? Look no further than CalTech.

Whether you’re looking for a rigorous academic experience or a close-knit community, you’ll find both here. And if you’re already looking ahead to post-graduate life or even a Ph.D., CalTech is also a good choice because more students from CalTech go on to pursue a Ph.D. than at any other school.

Harvard University

Harvard is heaven for book lovers and home to the largest academic library in the world. It’s also a great place to network. Harvard tends to produce American presidents, Nobel laureates, and future billionaires.

One of things prospective students appreciate most about Harvard is that unlike other top schools which tend to skew towards the sciences, Harvard divides equal attention to humanities as it does to science.

Stanford University

Anyone with an eye on a career in tech should make a beeline straight towards Stanford. While the school has been ranked as a leader in science and innovation for decades, its proximity to Palo Alto has only bolstered its status.

In addition to being a haven for students hoping to become the next Eric Schmidt, the campus is also considered to be one of the most beautiful campuses in the world.

Princeton University

Located an hour from New York City and Philadelphia, Princeton is a small Ivy League university with a student body of under 8,000. Indeed, both admissions and campus life is competitive.

Princeton offers its own structured take on undergraduate education. All degrees include highly detailed requirements, and all students must undertake an independent research project in order to graduate.

Hoping to make it to Princeton? You’ll need to be patient. It’s one of the few universities that doesn’t offer early admission.

There will undoubtedly be plenty of competition to get into America’s top private schools in 2018. Are you applying for a place at an Ivy Leave institution? Share your experience below.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education November 1, 2017

2018 America’s Most Affordable Universities

With college tuition skyrocketing year upon year, more and more students are budget conscious when it comes to tuition.

While tuition is increasing on average, some colleges and universities have taken it upon themselves to remain an affordable option for students living nearby and to attract students from further afield.

Here’s a list of schools dedicated to keeping tuition at a (reasonably) affordable price.

Queens College of City University of New York

Want to live near New York City but don’t have the cash to splash on Columbia or any of the city’s other high-priced institutions?

Queens Colleges, which is part of the City University of New York system costs a cool $6,000 a semester and offers a whirlwind of undergraduate and graduate programs. It’s located in Flushing, which also means students don’t need to compete with Manhattan rent prices.

Southwest Minnesota State University

Hoping to get out of your state but worried about the crippling costs of out-of-state tuition? Southwest Minnesota State costs around $8,000 per year regardless of where you’re from

The college is set in a rural Minnesota town, not far from Sioux Falls and a few hours from Minneapolis. This is an added benefit for low-cost tuition seekers because as a rural college town, expenses and competition remain low while the community experience is high.

West Texas A&M University

Headed to Texas and want to take advantage of some of the most accessible colleges in the country? West Texas A&M offers low tuition fees for residents and only charges no-residents $9,418 per year, making it one of the cheapest colleges for those who want to move out of state.

University of Texas – El Paso

The El Paso campus of the University of Texas is one of the most affordable colleges in a state of affordable colleges with a net price of $6,089 per year. It’s also ideal for students hoping to study in the otherwise expensive science sector and is a key player in research.

Fayetteville State University

Based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this state university offers both useful academic programs and campus-wide opportunities to compete for scholarships to lower tuition.

Even if you don’t qualify for additional scholarships, the net price of $5,914 per year and the low cost of living in North Carolina are sure to help keep your finances in order during your student years.

There’s no need to fork over six figures to attend a good university. There are plenty of options available to even the most budget-conscious students.

Will you make your school choice based on cost? Share your stories here.

Matthew Lynch published in Ask An Expert October 30, 2017

Alternatives to Homework: Try Gamification

I spent 7 years as a public school teacher, and I enjoyed every minute of it. Being a teacher allowed me to be the creative professional that I had always wanted to be. One of the areas of creativity that I pioneered in my school district was homework alternatives. I was way ahead of my time when it came to the concept of homework because I didn’t believe in the traditional approach to it. Over the last two decades, there has been a lot of debate over the efficacy of homework, but to me, it’s a no-brainer.

Why? Because I quickly observed that my students were not learning anything by having the same assignment, as a few students would complete the assignment and the rest would copy their answers. This, of course, would be done via the internet, text or phone; on the school bus, or right before class started. This led to a loss of learning and completely sabotaged the teaching and learning process.

What did I learn from this? The traditional way of assigning homework is obsolete. If it’s obsolete, what should we place in its stead? I am glad you asked. In my class, I would use a game of bingo, as a way to assign homework alternatives. I can’t seem to find an example of the one that I used, but I found something better. I found a modern version of the “Weekly Homework Bingo” board that was obviously created by a teacher who incoroporates edtech into their classroom.

Matthew Lynch published in Ask An Expert, EdvocatePD, First Year Teachers, Teacher Education, Teachers October 25, 2017

How to Write Your Philosophy of Classroom Management and Classroom Management Plan

Back when I was a professor of education, one of the most significant sources of anxiety for preservice teachers was classroom management. Most of them seemed unsure about their ability to manage a classroom full of 20 to 30 kids while responding to problem behaviors and facilitating the teaching and learning process. I always assuaged their concerns by letting them know that before they left my class, they would have a philosophy of classroom management and classroom management plan, which could be adapted to any classroom environment.

In my course, they learned that if students are in a safe and supportive environment, learning can take place. It is critical to have an engaging educational environment that includes all students. The primary goal of any philosophy/plan of classroom management is to assist the teacher in creating an environment for all students that will allow them to be successful and ultimately reach their full potential. In this piece, I plan to walk you through the creation of your own philosophy of classroom management and classroom management plan. Let’s get started.

Writing Your Philosophy of Classroom Management

I taught my students to divide their philosophy of classroom management into the three sections below. Completing a philosophy of classroom management is not an easy task, but I found a way to simplify the process. All you have to do is answer the questions from each section and use the resulting content to shape the body of your narrative. From there, simply add an introduction and conclusion and you are done. Revisions may be necessary, but at least you have a great first draft.

My Beliefs About Students:

Do I believe that students need to be “controlled and disciplined” or that they can be taught self-control?
Do I think that students are naturally disruptive and therefore need to be molded and conditioned to behave appropriately?
Do I view students as equals or as charges?
Do I believe that establishing a democratic classroom and giving students responsibility means letting them take over the class?

My Beliefs About Teachers’ Roles:

Do I see myself as a boss or facilitator? A brick wall, jellyfish, or backbone teacher? An assertive educator?
Do I think that I should create all of the rules and consequences, or do I think that students should offer their thoughts?
Do I want to discipline or manage my students?
Do I believe that teachers should spend time at the beginning of the year to teach rules and routines?

My Beliefs About Managing the Classroom:

Do I think rewarding students for good behavior?
Is the point of classroom management to manage the classroom or teach students to supervise and discipline themselves?
Would I be ok with using a school-adopted classroom management program, or do I want to have more freedom to choose my own classroom management practices?

Writing Your Classroom Management Plan

After completing your philosophy of classroom management, you are now ready to write your classroom management plan. The cool think about it is that you can use parts of your philosophy of classroom management. Write a narrative that includes, but is not limited to, the topics/issues found below. Make sure you back your narrative up with recent research (less than three years old).

Supportive, Effective, and Developmentally Appropriate Classroom Management Techniques
Classroom Climate: Class Structure, Rules, Routines, Procedures, and Policies
Classroom Design and Layout
Student’s Expectation of Teacher
Teacher’s Expectation of Students
Positive and Negative Consequences and Individualized Behavior Management Intervention Plans
Communication of Class and Behavioral Expectations to Students and Parents/Guardians
Responsibility of the Parents/Guardians, Students, Teacher and School in Classroom Management
Philosophy’s Connection to Theorist/Theory
Philosophy incorporates pertinent and appropriate information from course textbooks; Classroom Management: Models, Applications, and Cases; Teacher-and Tested Classroom Management Strategies

From there, simply add an introduction and conclusion and you are done. Revisions may be necessary about this, but at least you have a great first draft.

Reflection

Reflecting on your work is a vital part of being a professional and is essential to teacher development and the preparation of future teachers. Reflection allows you to examine your own beliefs, assumptions, and biases regarding teaching, learning, and classroom management and determine how those beliefs influence classroom practice and impact on the learning environment. If you are really want to impress your professor and receive an A, include a reflection along with your classroom management philosophy/plan.

Write a reflective 500 word paper about your philosophy of classroom management and classroom management plan. Please write the reflection in narrative form. The reflection paper should highlight how your classroom management details how you plan to develop a safe and supportive learning environment for your students. This may include:

How do you believe your philosophy of classroom management and classroom management plan will work to provide your students with a safe and supportive learning environment?
How do you plan on getting to know your students?
How you plan on introducing students to your classroom management plan in the first 21 days of school and then reinforcing it beyond that time period?
Communication of class and behavioral expectation to students and family
Substitute teacher materials?
Does the narrative reflect an understanding and thoughtful consideration of classroom management?

If you followed the directions in good faith, we are confident that you are now the owner of a world-class classroom philsophy of classroom management and classroom management plan. I would say good luck, but you won’t need it.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education October 25, 2017

Want Happy Professors? Show Them Some Respect

Dozens of studies have shown that employees who are treated with respect are the happiest and the most productive. And it makes sense – who would be happy if they’re constantly treated poorly?

The same truth applies to professors (who are also employees). When professors feel disrespected by the administration, the unions, and by their students, it’s highly unlikely they’ll be happy.

Unhappy professors almost always have unhappy classrooms and office hours. There’s no scientific data on that, but anecdotal evidence from everyone who has ever had a cranky professor speaks to its truth.

As students, you can do something to help. You can show your professors some respect.

How You Can Help Your Professors Create a Better Classroom

The best way to show professors respect isn’t to treat them irreverently or try to become their friend. Rather, it’s better to be a good student. Here are three ways to do that.

Pay Attention

Professors are in the classroom to teach, to impart their expertise on students, and to guide young people with an interest in the subject they’ve dedicated their lives to. So, standing in front of a classroom of students who are clearly not paying attention and not giving any clear indication as to what the professors could be doing better, well, that will make a professor upset.

Imagine spending four hours preparing a lecture to share with a group of students only to realize that many of those students aren’t even willing to hide how much they don’t care. How would that make you feel? Now, imagine doing it week after week.

We’d all be cranky.

Be Honest

The second best way to show your professor some respect is to be honest. Professors get wild emails filled with incredible excuses that seem to imply students think their teachers are stupid. Avoid being too honest, but don’t make up an absurd lie. And if you’re going to provide a lame excuse, own it and apologize.

Don’t Be Demanding

Asking for recorded lectures, detailed PowerPoints, class notes, practice tests and extensive feedback is often confused with being a good student. But it’s more akin to asking the professor to do your studying for you.

Professors are happy to provide clarification and help you overcome obstacles. But you’ve bought an expensive book and have access to your notes and the library – all those resources provide everything you need to pass the class.

Professors are balancing their teaching, research, and administrative duties all while having their jobs threatened on an annual basis. You can help keep them happy by being a decent student.

What else can students do to improve the classroom environment? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Matthew Lynch published in EdTech & Innovation, Trending Topics October 17, 2017

5 Things That Educators Should Know About EdTech

The Information Era began some decades ago and is now changing the way we educate our children. The children of today are growing up in a world very different from the world in which their parents did. Communication has changed, and an enormous variety of information is now accessible to almost everybody at the click of a mouse or swipe of a finger. Old-fashioned classrooms equipped only with books and chalkboards are long gone. New teaching techniques such as Internet research, experience-based education, virtual learning, and online live assessments are being introduced to meet educational needs in the Information Era.

As we examine this sea of change in the way information is delivered, we’ll also take a look at the impact of these changes on veteran teachers. Other problematic factors include teachers with years of experience in the classic method of teaching; teachers who are not familiar with technology resources; and students and schools that don’t have access to technology hardware, software, or connectivity to the Internet. In this article, we will discuss the 5 things you should know about Edtech.

What should every educator know about technology? We are living in the midst of a tremendous upheaval in the fields of technology and communication. Advances in technology have influenced every aspect of modern life, and are having an enormous impact on education. Technology can promote student engagement, immerse students in real-world issues, enhance discussions and workshops, and facilitate formative assessment.

Students today are often “digital natives” who are very familiar with technology. However, there is a profound “digital divide” between students who have access to technology and students, mostly from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who don’t have the same amount of access.

The new technological advances can be helpful, but there are some associated problems. Students may spend too much time using their devices, the Internet includes information that may be harmful as well as helpful, and teachers may become overly focused on technology to the detriment of information transfer.

What resources can a teacher use to introduce technology into the classroom? The Internet offers a vast array of resources and access to information, but students should be tutored in proper research techniques to weed out unreliable sources.

Tools such as spreadsheets, word-processing programs, and desktop publishing are highly useful and should be incorporated into classrooms. For subjects such as mathematics, foreign language acquisition, social studies, and science, technology allows students to immerse themselves in the subject and access material not otherwise available.

Other technological tools can benefit teachers. These include software for time management, grade book programs, and test-generating software. Multimedia tools can be used in the classroom to impart information and keep interest levels high. For students with disabilities, technology offers a range of tools than can, for example, create Braille texts or assist with typing.

How has technology changed instructional practices? Social networking sites such as Facebook have allowed teachers to create groups to build communities and hold discussions. However, teachers must be aware of their “public” profile, and personal information that can be accessed online. Other opportunities for social interaction online include e-portfolio or assessment tools, which allow students to store their work in web-based portfolios, so teachers and students can have access to it. Technology is also influencing the professional development of educators, as online courses are becoming more prevalent.

What are the barriers to implementing technology into your classroom? Though the digital divide has been closing, a number of factors inhibit the implementation of technology in some schools. These include lack of funds, lack of training, slower access to the Internet, and lack of access to technology at home.

What does the future hold for technology in schools? Holography, or 3D imaging, will become a useful tool in some science classes. Virtual 3D immersion will allow students to “travel” to distant places. Bring Your Own Device initiatives are allowing students to bring devices into schools, and work with them to make use of the devices in the classroom. Natural User Interfaces such as Kinect allow physical movement to control devices, which is particularly useful for students with disabilities. Personal Learning Environments are mobile and often cloud-based, allowing students to learn wherever they are. Finally, the backpack filled with heavy books will probably be a thing of the past as texts move to tablets or e-readers that students can carry in their pockets.

Did I miss anything?

Click here to read all of the articles from this series.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, Higher Education EdTech October 16, 2017

How the College Life Gives Students an Unreal Sense of Living Expenses

Think back to your carefree days of life as a college student. Loans and grants may have financed your education so you could concentrate on studying. You didn’t have to worry about living expenses. All you had to do was go to class and get decent grades.

University students today have similar experiences. Many students live off campus in luxury apartments, unwilling to delay gratification in the pursuit of maintaining a lifestyle similar to what their parents enjoy. Co-eds share expenses with roommates, and they enjoy deeply discounted amenities during their time in college.

College life gives students an unreal sense of living expenses.

What college costs

Average college costs are $24,610 per year at a moderate four-year public university and $49,320 per year at a private school. Those estimates include tuition, books, fees, room, and board. Students still must factor in the cost of purchasing personal items, having a social life, and maintaining a personal vehicle. These expenses can cost an additional $250-$500/month.

University students are spending an average of $41,165 per year of study.

What students do not realize is that this standard of living is subsidized – by the government, the university, and often, by the students’ parents.

The real cost of living

Multiple those yearly costs by four and college students will see how much it costs to replicate their current standard of living. Leaving university life will be costly as well as eye-opening.

The lifestyle enjoyed in college would cost, on average, $160,000 per year. That estimate does not take any indebtedness into account. Many students consider going into debt as much a part of the college experience as attending football games. They know they won’t face that debt until they graduate.

They have unprecedented levels of debt without understanding the consequences of creating that indebtedness and delaying repayment. The average undergraduate has $37,172 in student loan debt and will take 21 years to pay it off.

At an annual average salary of $49,785, recent college graduates entering the workforce will not be able to maintain the lifestyle they enjoyed in college.

A new lifestyle

The shocking difference between college life and living as an adult on ones own is what has caused one-third of college graduates to move back in with their parents, a significant other, or friends.

It may be one way to avoid the sticker shock that comes from having an unreal sense of living expenses.

Matthew Lynch published in Higher Education, Higher Education EdTech October 14, 2017

10 Habits of Tech-Savvy Professors

If you’ve ever found yourself reciting the phrase, you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, you’ve likely observed older coworkers, and family members refuse smartphones and tablets. As a professor, this kind of attitude is unacceptable. Your students need an education infused with technology, and it’s your responsibility to become a tech-expert yourself.

We’re breaking down the top 10 habits of tech-savvy professors! Implement these in your professional life and regain control of the classroom.

They Invest in Personal Development: If you’re new to the world of tech, do everything you can to invest in yourself. Invest time in trips to the library for reading material, invest money in online courses that offer advanced instruction and speak to higher-ups at your university about opportunities for additional training. Remember: great schools make internal professional development a priority!
They Practice, Practice, Practice: Sometimes this means investing in new equipment or speaking to the school board about implementing new classroom resources. After all, to learn how to use technology, you must have technology that’s easily accessible. Once the physical resources are available, anyone can master an unfamiliar digital landscape by taking the time to practice, practice, and practice. We recommend having an iPad or digital device at home that mimics tools students use in the classroom for additional, at-home practice. It’s better to make mistakes in the privacy of your own home than a lecture hall filled with 200 students.
They Listen (To Their Own Students!): Let’s face it. Unless you’re Steve Wozniak, the students in your classroom can handle a tablet better than you can. As a professor, it’s difficult to feel like your students know more than you. But don’t be afraid to ask them questions and listen to their advice. Get the perspective of students who love online learning and figure out how their minds adapt to new tools. Your students can be your best tech resource if you allow them to be.
They Have Confidence: The less certain you feel handling technology, the less motivation you’ll have to continue mastering new resources. The more courses you take, the more materials you read, and the more Google searches you navigate through, the more inspired you’ll feel to continue educating yourself. Build up your confidence through practice and don’t let little mistakes discourage you.
They Focus on the Purpose: Every edtech tool implemented should be applied with a particular purpose in mind, whether that’s to address students struggling with dense material or inspire students to improve their research skills. Likewise, every tech-savvy professors understand why they’re learning what they’re learning, whether that’s to improve their ability to navigate classroom web pages or understand how to pull information from an online database quickly. If you don’t understand why it’s important for you to master a particular program, you’ll never successfully communicate that information to your students.
They Create Their Own Web Presence: Create your own blog, website, or social profile. You’ll be amazed how much you can learn navigating a web page that you’re responsible for managing and updating. You’ll learn to troubleshoot, you’ll master the principles of digital design, you’ll figure out how to communicate effectively with other influencers online, and you may even learn basic coding.
They’re Fearless: Like anything else, don’t be afraid of failure. Don’t be afraid to troubleshoot and, when things get especially tough, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even professionals who’ve mastered tools like Adobe Photoshop and Avid Media Composer have, at one point, doubted their ability to do so. Once you have a little experience under your belt, technology begins to feel less frightening and more enjoyable.
They Communicate: Communicate with fellow faculty members who’ve been in your shoes, communicate with higher-ups who’ve recommended resources to other professors and communicate with your students. If you’ve got a classroom full of tech pros, figure out how they’ve learned to adapt quickly and implement their advice.
They Stay Up-To-Date on Tech Trends: Read articles about software updates, follow the launch of new products, watch news stories on cutting-edge technology, and subscribe to blogs outlining digital trends. Once you’ve got an understanding of the modern tech landscape, mastering specific tools becomes much easier.
They Love Change: This takes serious practice. The tech world is constantly evolving, and the minute you revert back to old resources, you’ll stop learning. Accept software updates with open arms, listen to fellow professors who’ve implemented tools in their classrooms that you’re unfamiliar with, and make an effort to shed stubborn habits. Otherwise, the modern world will leave you behind.

Technology is a part of the professional landscape. It requires knowledge of digital citizenship, and it allows for effective communication and collaboration. Not to mention, many schools that have implemented tech programs for students have witnessed incredible student growth, increased efficiency, and higher test scores. Like it or not, technology is here to stay. It’s your job as an educator to prepare students for the dangers our digital landscape presents while instilling essential habits for healthy tech consumption. For that to happen, you as the professor must master technology and become savvier than those who’ve grown up with an iPad glued to their hands.