Effectiveness of using the iPad in Learning to Acquire the Mental and Performance Skills in Teaching Social Studies Curriculum

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effectiveness of using the iPad in learning to acquire the mental and performance
skills in teaching the social studies. Using experimental design method, the study compared two groups: (a)
experimental, taught using the iPad, and (b) control group, taught using the traditional learning without iPad. A total
of 48 (24experimental group and 24 control group) eighth grade students in state of Kuwait participated in this study.
The study started on the second semester on 2015-2016 on the average of 6 weeks. After the test on the study sample
and the statistical processing, the results revolved that: (1) there are no significant differences between the
experimental and the control group in mental performance in pre-test score. (2) There are no significant differences
between the experimental and the control group in skills performance in pre-test score. (3) There are significant
differences between the experimental and the control group in mental performance in post-test score in favor of
experimental group. (4) There are significant differences between the experimental and the control group in skills
performance in post-test score in favor of experimental group. Based on the results, the study concluded with
relevant recommendations regarding the implementation of using iPad technology in education, and suggested some
further studies in this topic.