Thursday, May 7, 2015

The argument of which to go with in the classroom, Android or Apple truly comes down to you will love one or the other. However, this doesn't stop many schools from struggling as to which one to put into the students hands. Let's look at some of the pros and cons the faculty and staff need to take into consideration when making their decision:

iPad 

Pros
1. Students love them
2. Apps galore and E-textbooks
3. Can be used as a communication tool between the teacher and the shyest of students in the classroom.
4. Security: Apple tests each app for malware before being released for added security.

Cons
1. Doesn't support flash
2. Cost
3. Lack of multi-tasking


Android operating systems

Pros
1. Lots of options and pricepoints to consider
2. Can support flash

Cons
1. Not as many Educational apps to offer as Apple.
2. Settings are a little more difficult to figure out.
3. Teacher training



Cellular connectivity is a way that the tablets can stay connected to the Internet. However,  you must look at added costs that go along with this. This would allow the tablets to stay connected even when they are not within reach of a Wi-Fi hotspot. You must take this into consideration before purchasing the tablets because wi-fi only tablets can not be upgraded to use this service. Trying to find an affordable cellular provider (Verizon, US Cellular, Sprint, to name a few) could be a major undertaking in itself alone. You would need to look at the cost per month and also the data plans that the provider offers. Remember the more gigabytes the more expensive the plan.

In conclusion, the decision should be based on what will enable our students the best opportunity to learn while enhancing their technological skills but is still cost effective.

1 comment:

  1. Actually, iPads do multitask now, if one knows how... I may need to update the info.

    Good work. :-)

    ReplyDelete