IPad Usage In the Classroom

I pads are wonderful for the classroom.  I love having technology at our fingertips.  The children can view recent news, weather and current events.  They can also read and listen to stories as well as record their own voices reading a story.  This way, they are not just consuming the internet, but creating it. I pads have wonderful features such as cameras and calculators.  And, if you can't find what you're looking for, there are thousands of apps to download to make your Ipad unique to your own classroom.  Not every child has their own Ipad in our school system.  Our first graders do not have their own Ipads.  I have to use a checkout system and checkout the Ipad cart on a daily basis.  There are only 2 carts of 25 Ipads each in our building.  This can get a little hairy when we have to share with so many other teachers.  I've learned to put my name on the checkout list for the entire year.  The students love the Ipads and can navigate unbelievably.  I will be glad when they can get their own.  Of course, I feel they're too young to take them home like the older students do, but I can always keep them in the classroom.