Get iPads, Mumbai school tells students

MUMBAI: Mumbai's Podar International School has instructed all its students to buy iPads in order to take part in the learning process.

Vandana Lulla, school director-principal , issued a circular last week that claims the management's decision to use the Apple iPad 2 in the classroom has been welcomed by parents. Some parents , however, feel the move is impractical, distractive and may hamper the growth of students.

The circular states, "Parents now have the choice of either purchasing the iPad 2 from the school on an outright basis or avail of a financial scheme on offer. You also need to indicate if it will be purchased by you on your own."

The school has told the parents to indicate their choice on a form issued by them to help them negotiate bulk orders. The parent of a class II student said, "There has been no consensus on the issue among parents. I am opposed to the move as it will hamper, rather than aid a kid's education.

I would prefer my kid to learn and write using traditional methods , instead of exposing him to advanced gadgets at a tender age. " Another parent said, "I will shift my student to another school as it is purely a money-making racket.

It is an irrational decision as examinations will be conducted using the conventional format and not on iPads."