Discussion # 2: Why iPad? Why Not Netbook?
Is there a market for this technology within education?
iPad has been targeted for people who use eBook readers such as Kindle. However, it is offering them more than just an eBook reader. These days, I can see that iPad is prevalently used for educational purposes, especially in elementary. Schools receive grants to implement the use of iPad to replace textbooks and I heard that Apple is even offering a 10% educational discount. That’s probably why there has been a market open for this technology within education even though the price is higher than the average netbook. I also like the fact that iPad is touch screen-based which most netbooks don’t offer. Moreover, Apple is offering hundreds of educational apps to be downloaded free of charge.
I don’t have an iPad nor have I used it for my teaching. However, I’ve used an iPhone since 3 years ago. As it is similar to iPad in terms of its functions and features (except for the screen size), I would like to suggest several ways to use the iPad in class.
[Ways to use the iPad in class]
- During English, Literature, or Silent Reading time, teachers or students can load eBook to read online.
- In History or Social Studies class, students and teachers can view periodicals for current events and history.
- Teachers/Students can watch videos or YouTube video lessons.
- In IT class, tudents can research current apps available and discuss the benefits for each.
- A “Tap to talk” app can be downloaded to turn iPad into an augmentative communication device.
- In Math class, teachers and students show work to solve math problems.
- In Science class, students can use the periodic table and watch videos.
[Benefits of iPad]
- It helps students get excited about learning –> The use of technology is always cool for them.
- The use of iPad increases technology use in education –> 21st Century Learning!
- It helps students gain independence.
- It replaces textbooks. Eco-friendly!
- It helps conducting on demand research.
So… Why iPad? Why not netbook?
There are some pros and cons of both the iPad and the netbook. People use a netbook because
- it is cheaper than iPad
- it offers more hard drive space
- it comes with a full keyboard.
However, netbooks have shorter battery life and are not intended primarily as an entertainment device.
People prefer the iPad over the netbook because
- Offers more functionality than a smartphone
- More flexible than a laptop
- Light weight which makes it a more portable option than the bulkier netbook
- Large touch-screen display
- Better than the netbook for viewing videos, reading e-books and playing games
- Utilizes an on-screen keyboard
- Can be used for Web browsing, e-mail, e-books, and movies and games
- Superior battery life to Netbooks
However, iPad is a lot more expensive than a netbook.
Is there a market for iPad within education? Yes, there is. Many teachers (e.g. special education teachers), media specialists, technology enthusiasts, students, administrators, trainers, IT specialists, and curriculum directors who have adapted the use of iPad in education have influenced educational market’s innovation decisions. The use of iPad in education has been and will be influenced by others due to these adaptors of change.
Deb
Posted in: Week 09: iPad Apps
Deb Giesbrecht 5:56 pm on November 3, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank-you Kim for your comprehensive list of benefits and ways to use the iPad. You have summed up our week’s presentation very nicely. I have a friend who uses a netbook and loves it. He did not buy a ipad on purpose for the reasons that you listed. You have illustrated well the contrast between the ipad and netbook and I would also add that some people just prefer not to buy Apple products. As each of these products evolve, and the price becomes cheaper, I would venture that you will see more competition in this market.I do not think we have seen the last version of the ipad (can’t wait for ipad 50!) so the capability and functionality and uses in the classroom will just grow, adding more to the list you have provided us. The challenges come with different devices and software, how does the education manage the personal preferences that the students bring to class.
Deb Kim 11:36 am on November 4, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you, Deb.
I agree with you that the use of iPad in the classroom will grow.
I heard that there were over 3 million iPad units sold in just 80 days after launch last year. So far this year, there are more than 25 million units sold. The number keeps increasing.
What features of the iPad attract people so much that almost everyone around me is eager to have one? It could be the style, design, functionality, free useful apps, and portability. If someone asks me what I would prefer to purchase between the iPad and the netbook, I’d say the former. It’s worth having one.
Deb
Keisha Edwards-Hamilton 3:49 am on November 4, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Kim,
Very comprehensive analysis of the iPad. This information is very useful tome since I do not own an iPad. I learnt a lot from your post. My point of contention though is that a netbook or a laptop is much cheaper and can do the same functions as an iPad, so why invest in a iPad? In my country Jamaica, due to the economic situation, my students would mostly opt to purchase the netbook over the iPad mainly because of the cost and since it can do the same things as the iPad.
Keisha
Deb Kim 11:57 am on November 4, 2011 Permalink | Log in to Reply
Thank you, Keisha.
You are right that both the netbook and the iPad have similar functions. If it was solely for educational purposes, and a school district or a school couldn’t afford to purchase iPads, I’d recommend them to purchase netbooks.
However, if it was for my own use, then I’d purchase an iPad. On a daily basis, I use my iPhone more than my netbook or computer. The only thing that I find difficult when using the iPhone is that the size of the screen is too small. Also, there are many cool iPad apps such as WordPress, Facebook, Docs To Go, etc. that you can use without going on the Internet. You can’t use these apps on the netbook. Apple also offers a 10% discount if their product is used for educational purposes.
Deb