http://www.carynews.com/2013/04/27/73554/prototype-tablets-debut-at-east.html
Quote:
Almost 300 students at the school are taking their tablets home and carrying them from class to class for months, using the mobile devices to research papers, read virtual textbooks and more.
Unlike iPads, the 10-inch Amplify runs a modified Android operating system that is specially designed for educational uses. The “baked-in†educational tools could lighten backpacks by replacing bulky textbooks with digital tomes and learning apps.
Students can file homework wirelessly by a 4G cellular connection, while teachers can share new material and check students’ work instantaneously.
Teachers also get a range of crowd-control powers. One tap of the “Eyes on Teacher†button locks down the students’ glossy screens, directing them to the front of the class. The “short answer†function has students respond wirelessly to questions, while a “spot check†has them rate their understanding of the topic at hand.
And, most fearsome to some, the computer system can randomly select a student to answer a question.
Unlike iPads, the 10-inch Amplify runs a modified Android operating system that is specially designed for educational uses. The “baked-in†educational tools could lighten backpacks by replacing bulky textbooks with digital tomes and learning apps.
Students can file homework wirelessly by a 4G cellular connection, while teachers can share new material and check students’ work instantaneously.
Teachers also get a range of crowd-control powers. One tap of the “Eyes on Teacher†button locks down the students’ glossy screens, directing them to the front of the class. The “short answer†function has students respond wirelessly to questions, while a “spot check†has them rate their understanding of the topic at hand.
And, most fearsome to some, the computer system can randomly select a student to answer a question.
As a gadget geek myself, I think this is pure awesome. I love the fact that the kids will be using up to date technology to learn. I love how the teachers have the ability to turn them off when they need full attention. I love the fact that the kids don't have to carry 25 pounds of books in their backpacks. On a personal mom level, I love this for Xavier, as he has an IEP to allow him to do work like essays on the computer anyways, so having a tablet he can take notes on and keep track of all of his school work in one spot is just perfect.
Then again, as a mom I am freaking out wondering if 11 yr olds have enough maturity to be responsible for something so expensive. I'm already dreaming up dire consequences to put my son through if anything happens to his tablet.
But on a general note, what do you guys think about the idea of using tablets as a tool for students to use instead of text books, notebooks, and folders? Do you think this is a leap ahead or is there something kids get out of that might be missing from using a text book passed down over the years? do you think over the next few years all schools should have this?
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