Tablets in Education

The main thing I have learned from looking into the uses of tablets in education, as with many advancements in technology, is that they are changing the way a classroom runs. The overall use of tablets in the classroom seems to have a positive impact on teachers and students. It looks like the iPad has been used the most in schools. It has some features that stand out when compared to other tablets, as well as many, many apps. But the Kindle and Nook offer competition to the iPad, especially when it comes to books.

In one article of his articles, Jeff Bertolucci compares the iPad to the Kindle DX to try and find which one is better for education. He says the iPad is good when it come to textbooks, but the Kindle DX offers the best competition. They both cost about the same, although the iPad can end up costing more when certain features are added on. But those features make the iPad the better choice when it comes to that category. Both are good for books, but the Kindle DX has a better screen for students who will be reading on it often. The Kindle DX has a much better battery life, but the iPad has better storage. Both have 3G wireless, but the iPad costs more to add that on. The Kindle DX also has a better keyboard. In comparison, Bertolucci points out positives and negatives to both. I still think I would go with the iPad when it comes to education, but the Kindle DX still has a lot to offer, and that can make it very appealing.

http://www.techhive.com/article/188239/apple_ipad_vs_kindle_dx_which_is_better_for_education.html

At an elementary school in Arizona, six graders were given the chance to use a Nook for two weeks at a time. It was a way to motivate students to read more. By using the Nook, students could have books instantly and for a cheaper price. The librarian who helped implement the program, said some librarians would be threatened by the emergence of technology in the way of books, but not her. She saw it as an opportunity to encourage students to read more. I like the librarian's take on this. Instead of trying to resist the changes, she embraced them and saw a chance to use them in a positive way. The kids had a positive reaction and enjoyed having a device with books, as well as Internet. It shows that kids like technology and there can be ways to use that technology for good when it comes to education.

http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/local/articles/2011/03/27/20110327gilbert-school-e-reader-nook-club.html

A third article I read talked about how students who use iPads in school have seen rising test scores. At some middle schools in California, students have been given iPads issued by their schools. At those schools, academic performance has improved. Students seem to be more engaged and they like working on an iPad. The iPads are filtered at school, but students still have many options in one device when it comes to education. The students seem to be all for the iPads. While I do believe tablets in classrooms can be a good thing, I still believe they shouldn't be the only way to educate. It may even be a little too early to tell if students who use iPads in the classroom will continue to have improved test scores, although it would be great if that continues.

http://www.eschoolnews.com/2011/05/09/schools-see-rising-scores-with-ipads/5/