I must start out by saying I am one of the few Americans left who does not own a fancy portable device like an Android or Iphone. I don't have a sleek tablet either, but my in-laws have it all so I got to mess around with theirs for this blogging assingment.
Limitations of Portable Devices: Although there isn't much these devices can't do, I found these limitations to be the most obvious when compared to a PC or laptop device. In my research I used Apple's Ipad. Here are my top five limitations:
1. No Multitasking-you can't listen to music and browse the internet.
2. No Flash-many websites and online games run via Flash and the Ipad is not compatible.
3. No USB ports available.
4. The Keyboard is nice, but I wouldn't want to type a paper on it.
5. Only 64 G's of storage- they make ipods with 160G's but left the ipad with only 64?
Another debate worth looking into would be to buy an ipad or another small computer like the Asus here are the comparisons:
Physical Aspects: The Ipad screen 9.7" and weighs 680 grams; the Asus screen is bigger at 10.1" and slightly lighter 675 grams. As far as screen resolution the Asus wins with a resolution of 1280x720.
Speed: Both devices come with a 1 GHz processor
Ram: Ipad 256 MB Asus 1 GB
Storage: Ipad: 16-64 GBs Asus: 32-64 GBs both comparable.
Operating System: Ipad: Iphone 3.2 OS Asus: Windows embedded compact 7
Camera: Ipad: none Asus: 0.3MP web cam
Battery Life: Ipad and Asus are both measured at 10 hours of life.
Price: Ipad: $499 Asus: $399
Unlike the ipad, I have never used or even seen an Asus Eee device. Based on the specs alone I am definately interested in checking it out. On paper, it looks to be an upgrade to the ipad that came out last year.
Even though I have listed some key limitations the Ipad has, they do have some ways around most of these problems. For example, Apple now has a docking station for the Ipad that comes with a keyboard that is traditional. It also has an accessory piece that does allow you to connect your USB storage device up to it, or you could use the Dropbox app. to store documents and other forms of data digitally. As the ipad evolves they are fixing these problems from the first generation.
There are hundreds of ways to use a tablet device in the classroom like an Ipad, I will give you my favorite three.
1. Subscribe to various periodical apps like the New York Times and have the students read and discuss articles on what they uncovered.
2. Subscribe to ebooks and have the students read in small groups through a book and assign various projects that correspond with their reading. They can create their projects using Google Docs on their Ipad.
3. Have the students research free education apps and have them review and catogorize their favorites and make a library of apps for the school to use for a future reference.
That's all I have I hope you found this interesting, I know I did.
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You should totally get an Android or Iphone! You will be in love with it!
ReplyDeleteYou listed some great ideas about using an Ipad in class. It would be fasntastic to get the kids to read the newspaper each day. I feel like some of mine are completly missing out on current events because they are often too busy using some other sort of technology.
You are not alone Jeremey! I do not have a portable device/smart phone either! Somehow we will manage to get by, although I bet soon enough that will be the only option when we go to buy a new phone. Though I would like an ipad or iphone, my laptop and phone work fine - and I do not see the need to spend the extra bucks right now just to have a fancier version of what I already have! So no fret, you are not the only one!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great blog about the Ipad and your ideas of how to use it in the classroom. I too do not own a smart phone. lol I probably will someday too though.
ReplyDeleteDon't be too worried about not having an Smartphone. I am not too impressed with mine. I rather have a tablet.
ReplyDeleteOnce you get a smartphone and REALLY set out to make it your personnal device, I think you'll be glad you have one. Can you make calls on your ipad? My smartphone is basicallly an extention of my computer. I can't do higher functions, but I could do about anything from documents, to spreadsheets. I have a GPS, movies, music, wlaking meter, balance bubble, and amny more. ALSO ANGRY BIRDS.....haha..
ReplyDeleteI don't have a Smartphone yet, mainly because of the cost. My cell phones are always the free ones that you can get with the service contract...guess it's about time for a change!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you got to borrow an iPad. Like many of you, I am also left in the technological dust. It is hard being a full-time student and working part time to afford these things, however cool.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very funny to read everyone's posts and see that most of us do not have access to the technology that we are posting about. :) The most I have had contact with a Smartphone is when I used my friend's phone to message a mechanic (her fiance) about fixing my car. I also used her phone's GPS feature last year when we got lost on a school field trip. I really am thinking about getting a Smartphone. But, the prices and monthly payments scare me. Cheers to the other Smart technology-less people out there!
ReplyDeleteI got a semi-smart phone before moving to the UK. It had Internet and a few apps. I knew we were moving when our contract ended so I waited. The UK is nice in the mobile department. It is quite a bit less to get a smartphone here. While the dollar is less to the pound a lot of things you have to just have to ignore the exchange rate. For example, the job that one makes for £10/hr here is similar to a job for $10/hr in the US or spending £40 on dinner is more less the same as spending $40 in the US. So when looking at phone prices one can get an Android phone (phone included) for £20/mo (tax and charges included) compared to at least $60 (haven't calculated tax and charges). The iPhones start at £35.
ReplyDeleteI love mine. The GPS itself is very worth it. We have a car one which does street views too but there's nothing better than having Google on the phone which not only gives directions but also reviews of and other things on the WWW. It's nice :)