The release of Apple's iPad was met with great enthusiasm by educators and schools. Yet, if this new technology is retrofitted to traditional teaching activities its full potential will go unrealized. The presence of iPads alone will not generate transformative educational experiences in the social studies; however, the appropriation of the device into school settings may help redefine learning spaces. Social studies teachers who creatively integrate the iPad into instruction to foster communication with the global community and design intentional and purposeful collaborative learning experiences with the device may take learning to new levels of engagement. The functionality offered by the iPad, with its mobility and ubiquitous applications, may be the spark to ignite a movement toward innovation that empowers and enriches students' authentic, high quality learning experiences. (Contains 7 notes and 6 resources.)