Today's classrooms are starting to incorporate mobile computing devices in the classroom. Ipads, and ipods have more use than the average user would think. It has many advantages and disadvantages for its use.
The advantages have an amazing effect on their motivation to learn, engagement in learning activities, and support for learning processes. Being able to access the internet right from the classroom rather than having to move the whole class to the media room for internet use, can make for an easier task for the teacher. These mobile devices can help children use their imagination and help aid in the projects along the way.
However with advantages, there are also disadvantages too. These devices can get pretty pricey. I know that the parents are not going to all be able to afford it and raising money for them can be quite hard as well. Being able to maintain, update and make sure nothing is broken can turn out to be quite a headache on someone. It's a great tool for the classroom but coming up with the funding for one can be tricky.
Yeah the price part is the hardest part. I sat and brainstormed about it while driving to work last week. PC for each student would require a Server room at the school and a lot of routers. This maybe the answer to school funding problems also and not just problem. If schools became wi-fi, G4 and communication hotspots they could sell internet access to local communitees. Let's see DSL and Cable charges about $30 a month per household and county's could force company's to build communication sites at schools. In Texas if you want to build a subdivision then you must build a school 1st.
ReplyDeleteAs for laptops for kids I say let the company's put there name on the outside of the laptop and sell upgrades like design covers, advanced software and games. I think they could make there money back in no time. Dell just launched a Nickelodeon Laptop for $349(still to much)-
http://www.minilaptops.org/dell-inspiron-nickelodeon-edition-mini-laptop-for-kids.html
and Acer has a Very Nice Laptop for $249. Add a protective Nerf Cover and bam!