Instapaper is an app lauded for its streamlined user interface and readability on the iPad. It was a hit on the iPhone, but in my opinion has found its true home on the iPad. This application allows you to save any web page for later viewing both online and offline. A nifty bookmark tab on your browser titled “read later” will record any web page for later reading.
Pros: Easy to navigate interface. Convenient way to save articles without downloading them. Can be read even without access to the Internet. Store unlimited amount of articles on your Internet browser (500 articles at one time on iPad). Saves only text, leaving the article to be read distraction free of ads and photos. Suggests interesting articles.
Cons: It costs 4.99. Though the articles wirelessly sync, you will need the Internet to add articles.
This is the app you need for those awkward times you spend waiting in between classes or give you something to do while waiting on others. It is best used with Longform.org or a whole host of other sites the Instapaper app itself will suggest.
I think this app shows a large amount of opportunities for the classroom. I like the fact that the articles are able to be bookmarked and read even when the iPad is not connected to the internet, and even at a later time. Students would be able to bookmark many different articles to read and compare for papers and projects or future use in and out of the classroom.
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