TECH- Options & Uses for tablets (May 4th)

We agree with our Principal (insert name here), a small tablet device will not fulfill our needs at the school. Although they are not bulky and do not take up much space, a device with a 4-5 inch screen could be stolen more easily. It could also be misplaced and would perhaps be easier to drop (slipping out of hands). Most importantly, a paragraph or more of text is difficult to view on such a small device. This will make applications geared for teaching language and grammar more difficult to use, as well as make it difficult to read any ebooks that were downloaded.

A medium sized device is easily portable and fairly easy to hold for an extended period of time. They could be held in one hand if necessary. The text and graphics on a 6-7 inch screen are typically easy to read without using the zoom feature. 

Students would have no trouble viewing text and graphics on a large screen device but it would take up more storage space and may prove difficult for younger children to carry/handle. The large devices are not as portable due to them being awkward to hold for longer periods of time. They are also too heavy to hold in one hand. 

Please find the three types of operating systems listed below, as well as a few positives/negatives for each:

Apple offers the iPod Touch/iPhone (only available in small screen devices) and the iPad available in two different sizes. Our discussion seems to leave out the iPod/iPhone as a viable option, so we will focus on the iPad.

The three iPads that are offered include the Mini iPad, iPad 2, and the iPad 4. Each are available with differing amounts of storage capacity (GB); 16,32, & 64. Apple’s philosophy concerning product development is to create a device that is simple to use. The pricing begins at $399 and goes up from there. This is a positive concerning the bottom line for other OS devices begin at a higher prices. Also, in regard to price, used devices can be purchased at a reduced rate, although, one must practice caution when selecting used iPads. Unfortunately, batteries cannot be replaced. Once a battery has reached the end of its life, the device would need to be replaced. Apple itself is known to have the largest selection of music as well as the best accessibility to eBooks. They are probably most well-known for implementing the use of applications that can be downloaded to perform specific functions. They have the greatest selection of applications. Apple also takes the cake in regards to Movie/TV/Video selection and download flexibility.

Android a.k.a. Google offers the Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, and the Generic Android tablet. Google is known for having the strongest CPU (through Google Nexus), as well as the most reasonable rate for Cellular service. Amazon offers the largest selection of books available for download. Unfortunately if you are looking for a device with the optimal amount of GB storage, Android tablets have the least amount of space, topping out at 32 GB.

Windows a.k.a. Microsoft operating systems offers Surface Windows RT and the Surface Windows 8 Pro. A negative to selecting a Windows’ product is their lack of experience producing tablets for market. Their specialty has always been focused on software and their endeavors with tablet devices are relatively new.  Microsoft is thought to be the best in regards to software production. A perk to the Surface Windows RT device is that it comes loaded with Microsoft Office software included. This should be factored in if the school wishes to purchase Mircosoft Office for installation.

We must weigh the pros and cons of each device to come to a decision. If we are looking for a device to mainly be used for application download/usage, Apple is our best option. If we are looking for a device students could use to blog or create documents, Windows will most likely be our best bet. If the school plans for the purchased devices to be used mainly for reading exercise, Android and Google products would be preferred. If we are looking for the most “well rounded” device which offers a multitude of uses, Apple seems to have more of their bases covered in regards to compatibility.

If a device is cellular, it means that it must have a connection to a cellular phone tower in order to operate online functions. If “Cellular” is the route we wish to take, we must ensure that we purchase a tablet with built in capability, because this cannot be installed later. This type of connection would entail agreeing to a contract to pay an X amount monthly/annual fee to a cellular company.