This article printed in the Guardian does ask this question which is answered by a panel of experts of which one John Galloway I know. It questions the use of iPads as useful tools in schools and debates the introduction of certain technology into schools like VLE’s which were introduced too soon and which Google now have taken forward.
As a tablet trainer myself I do see the power of its use when it is linked to teaching & learning not as a reward or bright shinny thing as it was in the beginning.
Anyway read for yourself at