There is so much to consider when deciding to use technology in the school or classroom. There are so many options and various opinions about what should be used and why. It can be an overwhelming task to determine what the best options will be for types of technology without looking at the details of the various products available for use.
The first task should be to compare the most common types of oppressing systems, iOS, Android, and Windows to compare the pros and cons of each.
iOS/Android
The iOS system is used with Apple products such as iPod and iPad. The system can be used and will interact with all Apple products. In other words, if you have an Apple computer, your hand held device (like iPod/iPad) can be used similarly and applications and information can be shared between devices. For instance, you can download music from iTunes to your computer and then share it with your other devices. The Android system is more PC like and can be purchased on devices offered from different companies and is not limited to a specific company, like Apple. Like the iOS system, it can be found on many hand held devices, but not a computer specifically.
The iOS and Android operating system are fairly easy to use and maintain. However, Schools can easily maintain multiple Apple/iOS devices and share info and text books to multiple devices. The graphic, sounds, and look on the devices are attractive enough to keep students attention in the educational setting. As these devices have developed so has the quality of cameras and processors and will allow for students to have more creativity when using these devices. Android has progressed and improved over time, but this system does not share as well as the iOS system does with Apple products.
Apple/iOS and Android products can be used over cellular and wifi networks allowing for use in multiple areas, but require paid subscriptions for service. The Apple/iOS products and applications function similarly and can be used the same way on all devices. The Android system may function a little differently depending on the device it is used on. Both systems require applications that are formatted for their specific operating systems. Apps can be purchased from a variety of sources but must be designed specifically for the system it will be used on. Both systems have functions that are similar like readers, music, surfing the internet, streaming video/movies/tv, but there may be a quality difference, availability issue, or preference between the two systems. Android technology is found on smaller tablets such as the Kindle Ereader, Fire, and the Nook. These can all support book reading, music, movies, apps, etc.
These two systems are very comparable, however, the biggest difference between them is price. Android definitely wins out when it comes to price for their products such as the Kindle and Nook. Apple products, despite their popularity, are pricier than Android.
Windows
The Windows system just has not seen the popularity that the other operating systems have seen, largely to the quality of products it has produced. Windows tried to develop tablets and devices similar to iOS and Android, but they have failed in this area. Windows finally had some success with the Surface, but it still seems similar to the PC rather than a tablet. The Surface integrated some Xbox related components and that has helped the success of the Surface.
Cellular vs. Wifi
There is some argument that most devices need to have cellular and wifi capabilities. Cellular data can be transferred through cell service applied to a particular device and can work where ever cell service is available. Cellular service is not as limited as wifi as the device functions through the modem in the device and does not need to be near an external modem. Wifi connected devices will only work when near a modem. Therefore, the ability to surf the internet, play games, download music, etc may be delayed until a connection is made.
So, what are my thoughts after reviewing this material when it comes to selecting tools for a school or classroom? First, I would not consider using the Windows products in the school, other than maybe computers. They just do not have the quality and practicality that the iOS and Android systems have. If I had my preference I would use iOS based products in the school and classroom as they have so much to offer. These products may be a little more expensive than Android devices, but the quality and practicality will pay off in the long run. Android may offer less expensive devices, but the quality and limitations would not make them the right products to choose for the school. The iOS devices offer multiple products that can be tied together and information (such as textbooks) shared easily. The iTunes store has more apps to offer than other places like Google Play and frequently the apps have some type of educational purpose intended from the onset. The physical qualities of the devices make them the better choices due to size, color quality, screen, body appearance, and durability. It was suggested that the school use smaller devices like iPods or MP3 players, but the small screens and the ability to use in the classroom would not be practical. The same information can be used and stored on a device that has a larger screen and used just as easily. Larger devices are also much easier to maintain, control, and keep up with around a school or in the classroom. Small devices can get lost, dropped, or taken out of the school. Furthermore, the iOS devices can be networked and connected easily over wifi. Some may think that cellular networking is needed, but the devices can perform just fine without the need and cost of paying for cellular service. Wifi can connect multiple devices with the cost of one internet source and modem. Lastly, students are just more familiar in our current culture with iOS based technology. More often than not when students are exposed to various types of technology, it is more often an iOS based product. It would be my recommendation to a school administrator that iOS would be the way to go.
Very well done!
ReplyDelete