With regard to the many different types of tablets on the market, there are basically 7 general uses to consider when comparing the systems. They are as follows:
Apps - It is important to recognize that apps do not work across operating systems, although some apps have similar versions that will work together in a number of different operating systems. With Apple's iOS, most apps that work with an iPhone or iPod Touch also will work with an iPad, but will have different versions for the iPhone/iPod Touch and the iPad. The Android operating system has more variation, since Kindles and Nooks will only use apps developed explicitly for them and sold by Amazon and Barnes and Noble, respectively. The actual number of apps available at an Android OS level is actually a comparatively small amount of the total number of apps at Google Play. The total number of apps reported are:
Apple 700,000
Amazon 70,000
Barnes & Noble 9000
Google Play 500,000Books - Some of the tablets were developed originally as eReaders, such as Amazon which uses unique ebook formatting (.amz) to their books cannot be read by other readers without a complicated (and likely illegal) conversion process. The other three ebook vendors use a standard ebook format called ePub (.epub). All 4 vendors use cloud storage of whatever is purchased, which is a great help. All 4 vendors can also read pdf files (.pdf). Apple has some very unique and important connectivity to media and apps for a mixed media book experience -- and offers iAuthor software for educators to make and distribute similarly constructed materials on their own.
Internet - All 4 vendors under discussion provide good internet and email functions. There really are only 2 issues to differentiate the vendors here: the use of Flash and the use of cellular connectivity. The issue of Flash being unstable, according to Apple, has made it difficult to deliver large video and interactive files across the internet without it. Partial alternatives have been established, however, it is a weakness to be overcome. The issue of cellular connectivity, is that not all tablets offer this option. For someone who needs to be able to work where there is no WiFi, this option can allow them to continue to access the internet wherever a cellular connection can be made. One would then also have to consider the additional cost of the cellular service as well as any contracts that may be required.
Newspaper/Magazine - Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, and Google all offer Newspapers and Magazine subscriptions on the various devices that host their software. Apple has a separate app, Newstand, while the others incorporate these periodicals into the same reader software as is used for their books.
Movies/TV/Video - There are four ways to use movies, TV shows, and video on the tablets:
Subscription - Amazon Prime, Crackle, Hulu, or NetFlix all offer the ability to view movies and television shows for a monthly fee. The least expensive way to access a large quantity of movies and TV. Purchase - Amazon, Apple iTunes, Barnes & Noble, and Google Play all sell movies and TV shows, usually as soon as the DVD version is released and at pricing comparable to new DVDs.
Rental - All vendors permit rental of movie titles Free - YouTube, TED talks, Break, Apple's iTunes as iTunesU and Podcasts are all free options for viewing videos. Crackle also became free relatively recently.
Music - Apple iTunes originally developed the concept of selling music online, cut by cut, instead of a full album. Amazon was soon to follow, and building from its CD merchandising well may be equal to Apple. Google Play is a more recent development, and may not be as broad as the other two vendors in title offerings. Barnes & Noble does not appear to be selling emusic for Nooks, at this time.
Software - This option really applies primarily to the Microsoft Surface that promises to use standard Windows 7 software, soon Windows 8. However, Apple also offers much of its software for the iPads, but the software has been re-formatted for the mobile market and folds in with the overall Apps market. The size of Windows software means these tablet must have very large solid state memories - far larger than any other tablet, in order to offer even close to a reasonable amount of storage for software, apps, and saved files. All together this becomes a very expensive system. But for the person who does a large amount of productivity work and needs a lighter more compact devise than the laptop, this is an interesting option.
Tablets in Education
Tablets can be an incredible way to teach across many subjects with one device. One huge advantage is that education can be delivered at precisely the teachable moment and point of instructional need, whenever and wherever that might be. Without having to carry around a huge backpack full of books for each individual subject, it is feasible that most textbooks could be housed in one small, light-weight device that could be carried in hand.
Purchasing the tablets can be justified, at least partly, against the purchase of textbooks. Replacing a tablet is cost efficient compared to replacing a whole set of textbooks. Because once the content of the textbook is purchased and on an account, it will not have to be purchased again if a tablet is damaged. Unlike the damage of a paper book.
Many school are at least testing these tablets, knowing that this is the future classroom. There are varied responses to the type of tablets that are chosen for these tests as well as the experience during the test. It seems several schools chose the Nook based mostly on the support factor. Barnes and Noble offer training for teachers and staff to introduce them to the tablet and how it works, as well as provide in person support from their stores if any of the devices has a problem that cannot be taken care of over the phone. And should any of the tablets stop working, it could be taken to the store for replacement. This seems reasonable considering the learning curve with such an innovative device. The price also makes Nook a viable option since budgeting is a huge issue in schools.
One school had difficulty with the guidelines of Amazon. After purchasing the Kindles, Amazon updated the End User Agreement to require each device be register to a separate account, eliminating the ability to file share. This also made it impractical for librarians to manage devices and content.
Many schools however are testing Kindle and are happy with the results. Kindle offering the ability to rent text books gives them an edge in the education market, allowing students to get the book for a limited amount of time at a fraction of the price. Also, students provided with Kindles, which can hold some 1,500 digital books, can simply download the copies they need, without burdening a school’s media center.
When it come to apps, the iPad seems to be the showstopper. The selection of apps puts them at the front of the pack in terms of uses for the device.
For many schools, the major factor for not choosing an iPad is price. It has proven on many occasions to be a supior device but when it comes to purchasing a large number, cost is a final determinant. However, when compared to the cost of a computer, this definitely makes them within reach for most schools.
Well done!
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