Everyone is talking about tablet computers. They are the big new technology trend this year, but what are they for exactly? What role do they fill? Or are these new machines just fun toys? Another gadget for the technology freak who has everything.
It would be silly to write the iPad off as just a piece of frippery. It does actually have many uses and the potential to transform the way things are done in the world of business and education too. Forget all the fanboy hype and the look-at-me show-offs using them ostentatiously down at Starbucks. It’s time to get serious with the iPad and think about how to put these machines to good use.
They have the potential to make a real impact in the way people learn. They are portable enough to be carried around easily but have a lovely big screen and a completely different interface from anything else people use. They are helping to propel mobile learning onto a whole new level. This is why the use of the iPad in education is exploding. E-learning has been something of a disappointment up until now. Simplistic content that has little value. Using the iPad in education generates a much richer and more interactive user experience.
With tablets, it’s now possible to deliver video-rich, interactive content that really adds value and helps the user learn. Using Apple in education can be viewed as something of an indulgence. Why should a school or college spend money on these machines, when there are cheaper alternatives? Well, thinking about it, that is offset by the educational experience they deliver, the additional functionality they are capable of, and the ease of use. Deciding whether to use Apple in education is a decision that should be made on more than just price.