Which Is Best for Our School?

 

Which Is Best for Our School?

In looking at the various options: size, operating system, and connectivity, I recommend we purchase iPad 4's (some 32 and some 64) for our school. Below I will list pros and cons of the different options and how I came to my conclusion.

Apple -

PROS: We currently use in our classrooms, so the children are familiar with the operating system; Lack of security issues, programming bugs; Known for their graphic and music creativity programs; They are well supported and apps must be approved by Apple before they are licensed to work on Apple; Offers 16/32/64GB: WiFi; Camera and microphone; Size

CONS: Lack of Flash; Because of tight Apple control some apps cost where as on other systems they may be free; Price of equipment; The button may wear out and charging cords can wear with heavy use;

Android (Goggle) –

PROS:  Many different options; Open operating system, so a variety of fee apps; Price; WiFi; Camera and microphone (on some models); Size options

CONS: Because of the open operating system, security can be an issue and open to more bugs in software; Started more in the eReader market so video and music software not developed for creativity more of just use; Offers 8/16/32GB; Although low in hardware price, the licensing agreements can get expensive and hard to manage

Windows (Microsoft) –

PROS: Well developed software; Offers 32/64GB; Camera and microphone; Has ports like a laptop; WiFi;

CONS: Don't have a proven track record in the tablet market; don't have a large base of education software;

In narrowing it down I eliminated the Windows tablet mostly in part because of their lack of proven track record in the market and the lack of history with the Surface. So this left me with Apple and Android. Holly and I discussed the different options between these two and we left the discussion as pros and cons for both. We decided to finish on our own. Which brings me back to, Apple or Android ?

Both options have different sizes and connectivity. While there is an option for cellular use on both, as long as the school is setup with wireless WiFi I don't see the necessity of add and expensive cellular option. The cellular option is more for the individual who travels extensive and has issues with being able to connect to the internet. For use in the classroom the medium and larger sizes seem to be better. With the larger screen size two students can easily share a tablet, plus have more visually area is beneficially when viewing and creating videos.

Both main options have pros and cons, in my option we really need to look at how we are going to be using tablets in the classroom. I looked more at the higher grades, because they would be performing more complex tasks on the tablets than the lower grades. So, if the more complex programs can be run on the tablet than the lower will too. In the higher grades we will expect students to creative presentations and videos, as well as basic everyday tasks, on the tablets. With Goggle apps being available on both systems presentations and everyday tasks are same. 

Where the systems differ is in the video creation. iMovie is an easy to use program for students to create videos/movies on various subjects. In graphic arts/design and advertising industries Apple is the industry standard because of their visual and music creation programming. This is why I recommend we purchase iPads. Because of creating videos it is better to have a larger amount of "ram" to run these programs. This leads to my suggestion of purchasing some 32GB and some 64GB.

I know these cost more to start, but with all that we want to do and need our students to do to meet the Common Core Standards, our students are worth the investment. I am willing to investigate different funding options, such as asking local businesses to purchase one iPad for a class; Apples' own programs for schools; plus educational foundations.