This week, Apple unveiled a "little more" during their keynote, showcasing upgrades to nearly all their computer and tablet lines. The highlight of the event was the introduction of the new iPad mini, a smaller wonder of the "regular" iPad. Reactions have been mixed to say the least, with most up in arms with the $329 price point, while direct competitors like Nexus 7 are sub-$200.
However, I'd like to argue that perhaps the target of this new entry into the Apple world is not the typical consumer. Instead, Apple clearly and strongly staked its claim as the computing device leader in K-12 classrooms. Below are three reasons why Apple made the right move and are poised to change K-12 education as we know it.
However, I'd like to argue that perhaps the target of this new entry into the Apple world is not the typical consumer. Instead, Apple clearly and strongly staked its claim as the computing device leader in K-12 classrooms. Below are three reasons why Apple made the right move and are poised to change K-12 education as we know it.
It's the best way to read textbooks. While potential 1:1 schools and districts debate the best device in the classroom, the overwhelming choice across the US continues to be the iPad. Its long battery life, form factor conducive to reading, and easy maintenance tend to tip the scales in the iPad's favor.
Now the iPad mini is easier to hold and functions just like an full featured iPad. I truly believe we are looking at the next medium by which future K-12 students will read texts, view the web, and communicate with the world.
Now the iPad mini is easier to hold and functions just like an full featured iPad. I truly believe we are looking at the next medium by which future K-12 students will read texts, view the web, and communicate with the world.
It's manageable. When other edtech directors ask me which device I suggest for their organization, I always have the same response: the best device is the one that fits the needs and culture of your school.
Most private schools, like the one I work for, are not blessed with the resources to employ large tech support departments. They're lucky if they even have one full time tech on staff! For that reason alone, the iPad mini fits the needs of many schools. Its closed interface, aversion to viruses (for now), and simple design make it easy for anyone to maintain or fix (save for a cracked screen.) If schools were to completely move to an iPad mini environment, loads of energy does not have wasted on tech support, making it easier for them to adopt.
Most private schools, like the one I work for, are not blessed with the resources to employ large tech support departments. They're lucky if they even have one full time tech on staff! For that reason alone, the iPad mini fits the needs of many schools. Its closed interface, aversion to viruses (for now), and simple design make it easy for anyone to maintain or fix (save for a cracked screen.) If schools were to completely move to an iPad mini environment, loads of energy does not have wasted on tech support, making it easier for them to adopt.
Bottom line: Kids learn on it and it's affordable. When it comes to learning, K-12 students of today need a device that they can connect to the Internet, read on comfortably, and supports modern learning tools and apps, such as media creation, interactive textbooks, and learning management systems. And if they can get that at $329, while significantly reducing the cost of textbooks, then it's a no-brainer.
Okay, so it's not the $200 device that everyone was hoping. Nor significantly cheaper than a netbook or Chromebook. But it's also not the cost of a full fledged laptop, and it's cheaper than the iPad 2 by $70. And in the Apple ecosystem, textbooks are $15 or less. Can't beat that.
Again, ultimately, schools will pick the device that fits the needs and culture of the school. And I believe the iPad mini will fit the bill for the majority of schools in the coming years, ultimately disrupting the textbook model and learning process as we know it. (In a good way.)
Okay, so it's not the $200 device that everyone was hoping. Nor significantly cheaper than a netbook or Chromebook. But it's also not the cost of a full fledged laptop, and it's cheaper than the iPad 2 by $70. And in the Apple ecosystem, textbooks are $15 or less. Can't beat that.
Again, ultimately, schools will pick the device that fits the needs and culture of the school. And I believe the iPad mini will fit the bill for the majority of schools in the coming years, ultimately disrupting the textbook model and learning process as we know it. (In a good way.)
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